Although TheStable.ca has received most of the attention in the past few years when it comes to fractional ownership enterprises, an upstart venture of a similar nature has now garnered the grand attention of the CBC.
A recent article by the CBC has shone its light on MyStandardbred.com. The business has touted itself as a marketing platform that provides buyers with affordable access to horse ownership and offers sellers a means to recruit buyers and investors for their horses.
MyStandardbred.com began offering fractional shares on its first horse this past summer, and co-founder Ray MacPherson has told the CBC that the site has become a great conduit to introduce racehorse ownership to the masses.
Fractional ownership welcomes its investors with open arms, according to MacPherson. He says that the experience knocks down any preconceived barriers prospective owners may have when it comes to joining the Standardbred fray. MacPherson went on to say that “when you do get involved the community” you will realize that all of the owners on the horse in question become “one large family." MacPherson feels that the experience "is even more important than the racing itself, because you make so many great friends."
Longtime Standardbred breeder/owner Alby Curran recently offered shares of yearling The Fox on MyStandardbred.com and has had nothing but praise for the endeavour since.
"It gets more people into it (racehorse ownership) who can't afford to own a horse or don't want to own a horse by themselves," said Curran, who went on to explain that the rush of ownership is the same even if you own a smaller piece of the horse.
"I don't think it's any different if you own one per cent of a racehorse or you own it all — when he or she wins a race you get that feeling, you don't get one per cent of the great feeling!"
MacPherson told the CBC that the foray into fractional ownership can also be looked at as a hobby for some. "But it's probably going to be one of the most enjoyable hobbies that anybody will ever have, and the cost will be similar or less," he said.
"In today's generation, most people are not exposed to horses,” said McPherson, “and in my opinion that's the most important part of getting people involved in harness racing is being around the horse physically.”
MacPherson asserts that once people fall in love with their horse, they'll want to get more involved in the industry.
"We really feel that once you're in, it'll become a lifelong love," MacPherson said.
(With files from the CBC)