Anthony Flapper

“I love racing because of the ability to be involved as an owner, punter, spectator and get involved at all levels with family and friends....... and the thrill of getting a winner!”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love racing because of the ability to be involved as an owner, punter, spectator and get involved at all levels with family and friends....... and the thrill of getting a winner!

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

My daughter was in Primary School (now Year 12) and one of her friend’s Dad was a key part of Mark Kavanagh’s team and getting to know him I asked him to suggest a horse for us to get involved in. He found a colt (soon gelded) by Starcraft that was a beautiful horse and extremely placid and won a race but didn’t like running too fast. We got the bug and then went into a New Approach filly (Fast Approaching) which won five races, four of them city wins and three at Caulfield. We introduced some friends to racing ownership with this horse as their first and we have had many together since.

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

Apart from winning multiple times in the city with various horses and the luck we had with Fast Approaching, the highlight was having a Derby runner in Savvy Oak a couple of years back was a fantastic experience. First Light Racing, Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young said from the outset they would get it to the Derby and they did. He ran 7th and should have finished closer with a better ride following the winner instead of threading needles between horses. He then ran 2nd in the Adelaide Derby and only beaten by a filly which was disappointing but being at Morphettville was amazing. He then competed in his 3rd Derby in Qld, and I was on course for that too.

We also had a small interest in Violate, a multiple city winner, 3rd in Geelong Cup and 4th in a Queen Elizabeth – had some great times with that horse and the ownership group.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

MAKYBE DIVA – to win three Melbourne Cups under handicap conditions with 2 different trainers is a remarkable feat.

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

• Savvy Oak – still going around but not the class of his 3 year old career but hopefully getting close to a win – has given us a great experience

• Quillers Delight - young and big filly with good prospects for Autumn and beyond after a few fails in first prep

• Ikara – maturing gelding which has had 2 races but will get better over time

• Nasdana – unraced 2yo filly

• Star Stock – now gelded after being described by the trainer as a ‘reptile’ as a colt. Looking forward to future preps as good feeling with this horse

How do you decide which horses to get involved with?

Initially it was with my contact at Kavanagh Racing but post that I was checking up on syndicators and came across First Light Racing. Tim, Sam, Ash and the team have been great. We have now had four horses with them including three of the current stable. They do syndication exceptionally well and give owners a great racing experience – from involvement at the sales, to stable open days, to yearling parades, awards nights etc. I follow their purchases around the country with interest and now looking for the next one. I follow the sales and take an interest in the bloodlines so if the breeding sparks an interest we will look to get involved. Have some mates keen on another so on the lookout now….

Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?

1. Syndicators are the best way to enter the industry for first time owners – their communication and experience given is the key to success.

2. If you want some mates/family/friends involved together set up your own syndicate and take small interests in multiple horses – diversification is good.

Antony Blackshaw

“Whenever I travel the world I try to sneak in a race meeting, even in between work commitments.”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love a beer and a punt! I don’t think I’m the only one with that profile!

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

One of my best mates was interested in a share in a horse called Monsieur Feraud, trained by Mat Ellerton. He didn’t want to take 10% so he asked me to take half. He won five races and was a great introduction to ownership.

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

That’s Not It winning on Cox Plate day and being there with a lot of my best mates all in the ownership. That’s a dead heat with Second Effort winning four years in a row at the Warrnambool Carnival!

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

Super Impose was definitely my first horse love. Looking forward I think Bivouac can go on and win some big sprint races overseas. 

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

Hmmm, there’s about 20 interests in different horses at the moment! Zoutori is the clear pick of them but there is another horse Shandy that can win good races if she stays sound. 

How do you decide which horses to get involved with?

I’ve stayed loyal to the Ellerton Zahra and Clinton McDonald stables and had a lot of success so I’m always backing their judgement and I just ask a lot of questions on why they bought certain horses before I make an investment.

Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?

Leave the breeding to others, don’t take too big a percentage in any one horse and spread your money around.

Phoebe Phillips

“It’s the greatest game in the world and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. It has enabled me to meet some of the most incredible people and quite literally see the world.”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love racing because it makes my heart tick… 

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

It all started when I attended my first race day, Oaks Day 2016 in Melbourne with my parents. They had Miss Wonderland racing and I remember so clearly standing there wondering what they hell I’d been missing out on. I’d caught the bug and I became more obsessed by the day!

8 weeks later Dad took me to the Magic Millions and he had to drag me out each day. I was hooked and I wasn’t looking back. 

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

Winning a Stakes Race at Flemington in September 2017 with Fox Swift. It’s hard to explain but I’d never felt anything like it! There were a period of minutes after, that I don’t even remember what happened.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

My Australian horse crush would be Tom Melbourne, internationally it’s hard to go past Enable for me. 

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

Fairly small at the moment. I have Fighting Harada and Frome the Stars with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, Chainmail with Ellerton Zahra. I have shares in broodmare, Liberty Made (1/2 sister to Fighting Harada) who is current in foal to Magnus, a yearling Fighting Sun filly (¾ sister to Fighting Harada) and a Toronado colt foal. 

I also have a 2yo Showcasing Colt with Simon Pearce in Newmarket, UK. 

How do you decide which horses to get involved with?

The last 2 years I’ve dedicated every spare minute and time off to going to the horse sales, mostly yearlings. I have fortunately been to all the major Australian sales plus those in New Zealand, Hong Kong, France, U.K. and Germany. I wish I could name everyone who has helped me on this journey but I will give a special mention to Ric Wylie and Mark Richards who let me inspect with them over the past 2 years and have taught me almost everything that I know about horses and racing (and wine!). Learning more about yearlings and breeding has just made me more passionate about the industry, some would say obsessed.

What I have learnt has definitely influenced what horses I get involved with. As I am moving overseas next year I am holding back on purchasing anymore in Australia and now I pass on what I have learnt to my parents and offer advice on their purchases.

Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?

It’s the greatest game in the world and I could not imagine my life without it. It has enabled me to meet some of the most incredible people and quite literally see the world. 

Allie Umoff

“I love racing because the horses are magnificent athletes with a universally positive impact on everyone whose lives they touch.”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love racing because the horses are magnificent athletes with a universally positive impact on everyone whose lives they touch and I love the dressing up, fanfare and excitement of race day.

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

It had been my lifelong dream to own a horse (any horse!) and as my husband and I were becoming more involved in racing in South Australia ownership seemed like the logical next step to increase our involvement in and understanding of the industry. We had met an up-and-coming young trainer at Morphettville, Travis Doudle, and thought it would be cool to get involved with one of his horses as he was clearly talented and on his way up. When an opportunity presented itself and he had a share available, we couldn't say no!

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

My most memorable race day experience was having a runner in the Carbine Club Stakes on Derby Day in 2017. It was my first time at Flemington and it was amazing to get to experience that as an owner.

My other most memorable experiences are going to Mill Park on the Limestone Coast and Cornerstone Stud in the Barossa Valley to look at yearlings we were considering buying. Those properties are spectacular and seeing all the horses in that environment is magical. I feel so privileged to be able to have experienced that and would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in horses or racing.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

I love so many horses it is tough to choose! I love Lonhro for his thrilling racing style and classic beauty. I'm obsessed with Finche at the moment because of his tenacity, flashy looks and distinctive running style. For the US racing fans out there, I can't go past Arrogate and American Pharoah.

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

My husband and I currently have seven horses with various trainers in South Australia and Victoria, although we've also had a horse in Tasmania in the past.

How do you decide which horses to get involved with?

We have a matrix of factors that we consider when looking to add a horse to our stable, including such things as breeding, the look and personality of the horse, who the trainer is and where they are based, what the horse's preferred or anticipated race distance is, and whether it is a yearling or tried horse.

Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?

Ownership can seem a little bit daunting or out of reach to the uninitiated, but it's actually really accessible and most industry participants are very welcoming to anyone who shares their passion for the sport.

Georgia Harrison

“I love racing because it brings people from all walks of life together for the love of the horse. Racing is like one big family!”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love racing because it brings people from all walks of life together for the love of the horse. Racing is like one big family!

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

I always enjoyed the social side of racing, especially on the Thursday of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival. When a job opportunity came up at the Warrnambool Racing Club I simply couldn’t say no.

As for ownership, I have racing twitter to thank. It was a right place, right time situation - Damien Ratcliffe tweeted, I responded and now I am a Next Genner.

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

Our horses are yet to have their first start, so my most memorable experience as a race goer has to be the first running of the inaugural Jericho Cup.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

It’s no secret that I love jumps racing and I am a sucker for horse with a good story. If I could own any horse it would be Galleywood, a legend of the ‘Bool! Galleywood is a 2x Brierly Steeplechase winner & Grand Annual winner, but is famously known for the Grand Annual that he didn’t win. 

Present day I would love to own Ablaze; Jericho Cup, Grand Annual & Grand National Hurdle winner!

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

I am a first time owner, recently joined the Next Gen Syndicate. We are happy owners with a very small percentage in 3 fillies (Lawbreaker, Defiant Diva & Screaming Diva), a colt & a gelding (Dundeel x Mel’s Pocket & Dissident x On The Loose). Now I would love a jumper!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Racing has introduced me to some of the best people in the world!

Ben Carbonaro

“Heading along to the yearling sales is seriously something every single person with even a passing interest in racing should do.”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love racing because it attracts all sorts of different people and it's seriously the best way to network/met people, on any given day at the track you never know who you are going to meet. 

Everyone has a story about getting into racing - what's yours? 

I used to just be a Spring Carnival racegoer like a lot of people, but through an ex girlfriend I started going regularly to Flemington as she and her parents were VRC members. This was before I purchased my first racing members at Moonee Valley where I was lucky enough to also work during the 2014 Cox Plate Carnival in a media/communications role.

What's been your most memorable experience as a racegoer so far? 

It would have to have being at Moonee Valley for all four of Winx's Cox Plate wins, it was an electric experience each and every time.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

Would have loved to have a share in Black Caviar because of how she raised the profile of racing and introduced a lot of new people to the sport. 

How did you get involved with Viddora? And what was it like being an honorary owner?

I was introduced to trainer Lloyd Kennewell and his father Gary at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale by a mutual friend, we immediately hit it off then one thing led to another with me lining up on big race days to get a table for owners/friends etc. It was a huge thrill being an honorary owner, none more so than when Viddora won the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley when I absolutely lost my marbles celebrating on national television. 

What do you love about attending yearling sales?

Heading along to the yearling sales is seriously something every single person with even a passing interest in racing should do. I love heading along because it's a great way to learn about breeding pedigrees and bloodlines along with being a great opportunity to network with studs/breeders etc.

Which horses are you connected to on the Fred App and why?

The main one I am connected to is Aristia because I know all the First Light Racing crew and was absolutely thrilled for them when they won the Oaks during Melbourne Cup week; have fond memories of celebrating with them post race on the rooftop at Flemington.

Marc Ohlmus

“I love thoroughbreds, I love the sales, I love pedigrees but what matters most when I'm buying into one is that I'm in it with great people.”

What does your Fred profile say?

I love racing because, from the time I have been involved in racing, I have learned something new every single day.

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

After exploring everything that the punt and going to the races had to offer, for my mates and I, it was then time to "buy a horse".

Luckily enough, a friend of a friend (who is now a close mate) at the time mentioned that his dad, after having owned a few handy ones, had begun dabbling in breeding and had a filly yearling by Strategic on the ground.

Being students and interns at the time, the four of us put our pennies together to buy 1.25% each. Lilly (race name: Star Of Lisbon) gave me my biggest thrill in racing at the time.

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

There have been a couple.

Winning a Wednesday Sandown race, with Lilly's little sister Ajuda, at 30-1 was an incredible thrill. We led from barrier 14 of 14 and just held on.

The other very memorable experience was being offered and taking a share in a blueblood. Shackleton was a $1.35m yearling but didn't make the grade in Sydney. Bought for around one-twentieth of his sale price and gelded, he went on to win a Saturday race at Ascot for us.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

Northern Dancer. An incredible racehorse and a breed-shaping stallion.

Zabeel a close second for the same reasons.

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

My stable just grew from one to three only a couple of months ago.

Shackleton is over in Perth and has recently recommenced his career after a nasty accident back in mid-2019.

The two I've recently added, a Written Tycoon colt in Melbourne and a Per Incanto colt in Perth, are both two-year-olds, unraced and extremely exciting.

How do you decide which horses to get involved with?

I love thoroughbreds, I love the sales, I love pedigrees but what matters most when I'm buying into one is that I'm in it with great people. And quite often it will take you for a ride where you'll meet more wonderful people along the way. And that's the best part of racehorse ownership.

Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?

Not every horse you own will win a race so keep expectations low but aspirations high.

Monique Ellis

I have made so many wonderful friends for life through racing and I am now involved with friends in the same horses which makes the journey even more fun!

What does your Fred profile say?

For the Love of The Thoroughbred and meeting like-minded people who share the same passion.

Everyone has a story about getting into racehorse ownership - what's yours? 

I have my Dad to thank for my love of racing. At 10 years old all I wanted to do was have my birthday parties at the races. It wasn’t until about 7 years ago I decided to take the plunge into ownership with my first 5% share in a not a single doubt filly and from then on, I have been hooked ever since!

What's been your most memorable experience as an owner so far? 

I bought a small share in a filly named Anthemoessa with Matt Cumani in 2017 a month before she debuted with a nice 2nd in the Ballarat magic millions then a 2nd at Caulfield. We were lucky to have enough prize-money to get into the 2 year old Magic Millions Classic which was a huge thrill.  Although she finished 9th the build-up and having a runner in the big race and being there was an experience I will never forget and hope to have again one day.

If you could own any horse in the world (past or present) which one would it be? 

I would have to say Chautauqua – I could watch his 2017 TJ Smith on replay all day still gives me goose bumps every time.

We know it's impossible to stop at one, so what's your ownership stable looking like now? 

Currently 10 with a few recent yearling purchases as well. I like to have horses across all states Vic, Darwin, QLD, NSW any excuse for a trip to watch them in action – can’t wait for the borders to reopen!

How do you decide which horses to get involved with?

 I usually pick the horses on type and I also have taken a liking to getting involved with some tried horses that maybe looking for a new environment.

Anything you didn’t know at the start of your ownership journey that you wished you knew?

Racing people definitely stick together! I have made so many wonderful friends for life through racing and now involved with friends in the same horses which makes the journey even more fun!