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Royal Colors RacingFirst, we are regionally biased towards the central corridor of the U. S. While we will take a horse where its talent indicates it can compete and where we stand to make the best possible financial return for its partners, our primary focus is the heartland of the U.S. Second, we are principally a pay for performance racing entity. If our horses are winning or sell for large sums of money, RCR as the management company receives a 10% commission. Unlike many other racing partnerships, the margin we place on the acquisition is small, there are no management fees, and the expenses are passed through on a dollar-for-dollar basis. As owners in each horse we manage, we try to keep costs low. Third, we don’t buy the most expensive horses, nor the least expensive. We buy in a range that we believe provides the most opportunity for success as related to the capital invested.

WinnersWe believe Royal Colors Racing represents the best value among thoroughbred partnerships.  Look around and compare results.  RCR’s pricing is very competitive for the quality of horses offered.  During the past year, our horses raced in Claiming, Allowance, Stakes and Graded Stakes level races.
Recent RCR outstanding results include:

  • Average Win Rate > 20%
  • Average In-The-Money Rate > 50%
  • Top 7% in earnings among all North American Owners in 2011
  • Among our horses of racing age, 87% started at age two.

How do RCR results compared to other partnerships?

The chart below shows results from 2010.  When compared to the strike rates of several well-known U.S. partnerships, the numbers tell a great story for Royal Colors Racing.  Since its inception, Royal Colors Racing has average a win rate greater than 20% and a top-3 finish rate greater than 50%.

Win%

Top 3%

Royal Colors Racing

28%

72%

IEAH, Inc.

25%

53%

Peachtree Stable

24%

55%

Class Racing Stable

20%

57%

Team Valor International

20%

51%

Starlight Partners

19%

42%

West Point Thoroughbreds

19%

49%

Fantasy Lane Stable

18%

44%

Little Red Feather Racing

17%

50%

Dogwood Stables

15%

46%

Woodford Racing

13%

40%

Dare To Dream Stable

12%

42%

Sovereign Stable

11%

30%

Funky Munky Stables

10%

48%

Sackatoga Stable

8%

48%

Champion Racing Stable (TX)

7%

29%

--primary source Equibase.com Stats Central 2010

Win

Royal Colors RacingFirst, our focus is on yearlings at auction.  Second, we look for athleticism, conformation, a good mind and the right amount of pedigree to be a potential winner of stakes races.  We are of the belief that too low of a price will not gain these qualities and we also believe too high of a price introduces more risk than most of our owners wish to accept in something as unpredictable as a thoroughbred race horse.  We believe the “sweet spot” of the market is in the $35,000 to $65,000 range for yearlings.  There are multiple examples of horses purchased in the $1,000,000+ range that went on to success and many examples to the contrary (remember 2006, The Green Monkey at $16,000,000).  There are very few examples of horses like Kentucky Derby Winner Mine That Bird that was sold at auction for $9,500.  In our sweet spot there tend to be a wide selection, some examples in 2008 and 2009 include horses such as: Curlin $57,000 yearling, Zenyatta $60,000 yearling, Careless Jewel $40,000 yearling, Vale of York $36,000, Dancing in Silks $26,000, etc.

Royal Colors RacingMany partnerships buy two-year-olds in training, however, we believe that many two-year-olds at those sales have been prepped in the months leading up to the auction solely for performance at the auction.  Their training, care, diet, etc. has all been geared towards recording a blindingly fast single furlong run and looking the part over the two to three day auction.  For many of these two-year-olds, that day is their Kentucky Derby (the financial reward of their owners is hinged to that sale).  All of this prep work and the demand of that breeze (often times too early in the horse’s development) may actually set back the appropriate training of the horse.  Additionally,  the prices required at these sales to buy truly promising horses, are typically well above the RCR target budget.

Royal Colors RacingDifferent fractional owners have different opinions.  Some say, “If I own less than 10 to 25% I don’t feel as attached to the horse and its racing career and am less likely to make a decision to travel to see the horse run.”  A counter opinion offered by many is that by spreading ownership at lower levels over multiple horses you have more action going at any one time and less risk of disappointment if one of your horses is not performing.  Possibly not surprising, it is hard to distinguish the 5% owner from the 50% owner when the shouting begins as the thoroughbred is making his stretch run for the wire.

Royal Colors RacingFillies tend to be at marginally lower acquisition costs, but have lesser purse opportunities in female-restricted races.  However, the residual value for fillies is greater on average.  A filly with a modest, but respectable race record combined with a strong pedigree often has future value as a broodmare. 

Royal Colors RacingTypically there are more stakes races with higher purses presented for colts and geldings.  Obviously the Triple Crown Series and most well known races tend to be run by the boys (that is until Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra came along).  A colt or gelding must earn their living on the race course, as only the most outstanding colts each year have the opportunity to be a stallion and otherwise, have very little residual value.  The only exception is the rare colt that is a shining star prior to the three-year-old Classic Series or is retired to stud, will usually return substantial financial rewards.

A minimum one (1) share commitment (4.5%) is strongly encouraged.  If multiple shares are being purchased ½ shares will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Royal Colors RacingRoyal Colors Racing typically purchases a minimum 10% ownership position.  Thus, the remaining 90% is represented by 20 shares.  Also, most states require all owners with an ownership interest of 5% or greater to be licensed, so in some, but not all, cases the 4.5% ownership level prevents the added cost of getting licensed.

Royal Colors RacingCosts vary depending on the progression of the horse and the racing campaign it pursues.  A typical racehorse will cost $65-$75 per day when training at a remote site and $100-$110 per day when in training at a racing facility.  Costs can escalate if unusual occurrences demand unique veterinarian care.  Costs will also increase if a horse is being transported frequently or over great distances and if nomination fees are being paid for Stakes Races.  On the other hand, if a horse is travelling and the partnership is paying fees it is usually because the horses is competing at higher levels and is hopefully winning substantial purses.  One should estimate the total annual cost to be approximately $35,000 to $40,000.

Royal Colors RacingThere are no financial guarantees.  For every financial home run hit in horse racing, there are a lot more strike outs.  We try to minimize the risk by purchasing quality horses that have every right to be competitive, but they are living animals that are often as fragile as they are strong, and you can’t see their heart until they run.  While we cannot promise a positive financial return on one’s investment, we can promise it will be one of, if not the most fun investment you will ever make.

No.  Many racing partnerships charge a monthly fee whether the horse is racing or not.  We don’t.

Royal Colors RacingNo.  We pass expenses through just as we receive them.  Some companies get volume discounts or credits based on volume of business, yet still bill their members at retail rates.  If we get a discount, then the members receive that discount.

If a horse is sold, Royal Colors Racing reduces the sales proceeds by a 10% retained commission.

Royal Colors RacingWhen the partnership gets paid, we get paid.  Most other partnerships make money from the minute they sell the horse to the members.  Profit margins added to the price presented for the horse are often 25 - 100% of the actual acquisition cost.  Our model is based on a much lower margin added to the purchase price of the horse and we are compensated if our management of the horse, with member input, results in the horse winning purses and potentially selling in the future or being syndicated to stud.

Typically the purse is divided as based on finishing position.  Below is an example of how a $100,000 stakes purse might be distributed:Royal Colors Racing

Finish

Percentage

Earnings

1st Place

60%

$60,000

2nd Place

20%

$20,000

3rd Place

10%

$10,000

4th Place

5%

$5,000

5th Place

3%

$3,000

Others

2%

$2,000

As an owner you will receive funds based on your percentage of ownership in the horse.  Here are estimated examples of a first and second place finish in a $45,000 purse race:

 

First Place

Second Place

Purse Awarded

$27,000 (60%)

$9,000 (20%)

Trainer Commission

$2,700 (10%)

$900 (10%)

Jockey Commission

$2,700 (10%)

$450 (5%)

Management Commission

$2,700 (10%)

$900 (10%)

Stable/Groom’s Bonus

$270 (1%)

-

Pony-to-Post Fee

$20

$20

Workman’s Compensation

$60

$60

Winner’s Circle Photo

$18

-

 

 

 

Purse Return to Partners

$18,802 (69%)

$6,670 (74%)

RCR will bill for estimated training and other expenses in advance each quarter.  If purse earning for the prior quarter are in excess of this amount, you will receive a check for the balance of the proceeds.

Yes, a quarterly statement will be sent with your invoice or purse reimbursements.  In addition, you will receive a Schedule K-1 Statement for your tax return no later than March 15th of each year.

Royal Colors RacingWe purchase a one-year mortality policy on each yearling we purchase and maintain it for the first 12-months.  It is our opinion, that the first year is the most risky time in a thoroughbred’s development.  They are being broken, introduced to riders for the first time, introduced to race tracks and unfamiliar environments and possibly seeing their first races.  This insurance is very affordable, approximately 3% of the auction price.  To continue to insure a horse after it begins racing is more expensive, often times four to six percent of the horse’s value.  We have chosen not to insure at that level.  Any individual partner can insure their respective interest in the horse.  If you are interested in doing so, we can put you in touch with multiple insurance firms we would recommend in the industry.

Royal Colors RacingNo.  Once you become a member of a partnership you will receive any financial returns coming to the partnership and also be liable for your representative interest in the partnership until it is terminated or dissolved.  There is not an easily accessed secondary market for partnerships, so if you are interested in selling or transferring your membership, you will need to find your own buyer. 

Royal Colors RacingPartnerships can be ended in multiple ways.  The most lucrative of these is through a successful racing campaign culminated by a colt being retired to stud or a filly sold at auction as a broodmare.  Other successful horses may be sold privately if a majority of the ownership interest in the horse votes to accept an external offer.  Typically a horse is raced as long as it is competitive and able to provide returns to the partnership.  If a horse fails to compete at the level desired by the partnership the manager may recommend that the horse be entered in claiming races.  If a horse is claimed, the partnership is ended.  Finally, if a horse fails to thrive as a racehorse, develops an ailment that prevents future racing, or injures itself to the point of halting its racing career, then the partnership will entertain selling the horse or simply giving it away to a good home.  If the horse is to be given away, a member of the partnership can ask to take or place the horse.

Royal Colors RacingRoyal Colors Racing exists because of its member partners.  It is our obligation to keep you informed.  The primary method of doing so is through email and the RCR website.  Updates on each horse will be emailed weekly.  In addition, a monthly newsletter is sent to all owners.  The cumulative update and newsletter history is also updated to the website monthly.  When a horse is scheduled or tentatively scheduled to race you will be notified and unscheduled updates will be provided if there is pertinent information to be shared. 

Royal Colors RacingAs an owner you may visit your horse and watch its workouts either at the pre-training facilities or when the horse is training at a race track.  Letting the RCR managing member or the trainer know will ensure your visit is expected.  You may visit your horse at its stables.  On race days you will be present in the paddock area, able to meet with the trainers and jockeys, and will hopefully end the race in the winner’s circle.  Royal Colors Racing has access to suites or preferred seating at some tracks and can usually arrange private dining or seating for its owners attending their horse’s race.  In addition, we will occasionally host conference calls with the trainer to discuss current training and race plans with the horses in which you have ownership.

Royal Colors RacingEmails will be sent to each partner notifying them of a horse being entered in a race.  If their horse is nominated for any stakes races, this will be shared as well.  Stakes races are scheduled well in advance, other racing opportunities are published in a track’s condition book typically two to four weeks in advance of published racing opportunities.  The trainer will attempt to enter our horse into a race typically 48 to 96 hours in advance of the race.  Once the track has reported its entries, we will share information regarding the race promptly.

Typically from 8 to 12.

Royal Colors RacingAbsolutely.  A big part of the fun is sharing the ownership experience.  Typically we will try to coordinate suite, seating, or dining reservation in the same area for all of the Royal Colors Racing members in attendance.

Royal Colors RacingYes…or maybe no.  One of the few frustrating aspects of racing horses is the various licensing nuances throughout each state.  Every state with pari-mutual wagering has a State Racing Commission that has its own set of rules.  Owners, even partial owners, in most cases must be licensed.  Different states however, do not require a license below certain thresholds.  Shown below is a sample of racing states and their requirements.  It is not all bad news though, by being a licensed owner you typically receive the following benefits:

  • Free admission to tracks
  • Free upgraded or valet parking
  • Access to the paddock and stable areas
  • Priority reserved seating
  • Often times an owner concierge that can help make your arrangement when you have a horse running.

 

STATE

Fee (per year)

5% or more

10% or more

Any % owner

Arizona

$36

 

X

 

Arkansas

$30

X

 

 

California

$50

X

 

 

Delaware

$50

X

 

 

Florida

$40

Name on Ownership Papers only – RCR

Illinois

$25

X

 

 

Indiana

$35

X

 

 

Iowa

$10

X

 

 

Kentucky

$150

Name on Ownership Papers only – RCR

Louisiana

$25

X

 

 

Maryland

$75 ($100 yr1)

X

 

 

Michigan

$25

 

 

X

Minnesota

TBD

X

 

 

Nebraska

TBD

 

 

X

New Jersey

$50

Name on Ownership Papers only – RCR

New York

$50 ($186 yr1)

 

 

X

Ohio

$50

X

 

 

Oklahoma

$50

X

 

 

Ontario

$120

X

 

 

Pennsylvania

$90

X

 

 

Texas

$100

X

 

 

Virginia

$50

X

 

 

West Virginia

$15

 

 

X

Each individual needs to answer that question on their own, but, in our opinion it is as good of a time as the industry has presented in the past decade.  While handle and purses were both off about 10% in 2009, the average and median price at auction was off nearly 25%.  The total foal crop has been reduced from a consistent 37,000 per year through 2006 to potentially the lowest crop in 33 years, 30,000 foals in 2010.  So, while purses may be down 10%, the number of horses competing for those purses is less at this point and the value one is getting at auction is substantially better than in prior years.  For those buying a 2009 yearling, your chance of winning the Kentucky Derby just improved from one in 37,000 to one in 34,000.

StatsImage1

Each horse is different, thus history may not be a good indicator, but the table below shows the statistical results of ten years worth of yearlings sold at Keeneland’s September sale.  These numbers represent all sold horses, however, the typical Royal Colors Racing yearling is purchased at a price point in the top third among those sold.

Stats

The numbers shown in the chart below are typically much stronger for those born from sires ranking among the top 1% of all sires.  The majority of Royal Colors Racing horses are offspring from Sires that rank or have ranked in that top 1%.

Image3

Simply contact us.  Ask any questions you may have about ownership with RCR, the horses available, or our team.  If you remain interested, we will send you a participation agreement and the operating agreement for signature and funding and at that point…you are off the races.

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