HIghclere as a first time owner

owner experience

Dennis Smith

Horses working on the gallops in Newmarket

I write as a first year owner in shares offered by Highclere and my initial impressions and experiences with the organisation as well as my first Highclere visit.

I have lived in several continents from my native Canada to New Zealand and now Switzerland. In Canada and New Zealand, I was active in breeding and racing thoroughbreds and enjoyed modest success and much fun in meeting a whole host of characters who formed long term friendships and experienced the ups and downs of horse ownership. 

In Switzerland, I have not been involved with horses for well over a decade. In late 2023 and 2024, I came across Highclere on the internet and signed up for news and information from the team and what appeared to be an irrepressible, Harry Herbert.  His newsletters were frequent and I formed an opinion that I may have found another of racing’s “characters”.  Harry and I have yet to meet but I am sure that we will rectify this soon.

During my first year of receiving Highclere emails, a number of yearlings and two-year-old shares were offered.  I replied to a least five of these offerings, several of them within an hour only to be told that they were no longer available as they were sold out as current share owners had a priority and had already snapped them up.

I got to the point of telling myself that it was not to be and time to move on.

I decided to persevere and formed a strategy of purchasing several two-year-old shares to spread risk somewhat and to increase the expected fun and association with Highclere and its other syndicate members.

Once my first purchase was made, it seemed that my “luck” improved and I was able to add to my horses.

Moonshine at Ed Walkers June 2025

Living in Switzerland and being active in a transatlantic business that is very much client relationship oriented meant that I am not regularly able to take part of the many Highclere sponsored activities, including race days, stud, and training visits.

I perhaps have a good appreciation in my trans-Atlantic day job for client interaction and information when done well and not so well done.

With that, I have now experienced my first visit to the UK for the all-important ‘Highclere experience’ that included seeing Moonshine, a two-year-old filly having her first start at Newbury.

I have received many emails on the progress of my two-year-olds and their early racing careers. The emails have been very informative, to the point, and timely.

Very full marks for a consistent flow of information on developments, race entries and pre and post-race outcomes and the horse’ status.

Very surprising to me and welcome are the videos and Trainer participation in the videos that adds much to the “feeling” of how a horse is developing and the possible outlook for the horse and its future racing.

As a distant but very much interested owner it is the Highclere experience and a number of staff play their part in updates and phone calls.  They, very much to this observer, reflect very well and professionally on Highclere and indeed on Harry, who not only leads by example but insists on and trains the team to provide the same.

Home Secretary enjoying a pick of grass post exercise on Warren Hill

One of my two year olds, Radiance winning first time out at Yarmouth last month

My visit was hastily arranged with Moonshine‘s acceptance into her maiden appearance at Newbury.  Arriving the day before allowed for a visit to the home of horse racing, Newmarket, where my horses are trained. Particular highlights were seeing the yards of George Boughey and Sir Mark Prescott.

Sir Mark was most gracious and patient in walking through his training establishment, Heath House, and the many stories around its long history and himself.  No doubt that I and my fellow share owners in Home Secretary were before another of racing‘s great characters and successful Trainers.

Sir Mark took us to the Newmarket gallops, Warren Hill, to see our horse work. Followed by going up into the trees on top of the gallop to see the horses relax from their work. One highlight was a very recent horse arrival from the US being taught how to pick grass with a rider on board. Something that he was not experienced in doing.

Back to Sir Mark’s to see the horses swimming after their exercising.  On to the Jockey Club HQ for a light lunch. Another highlight with Highclere being very well known by the staff.

We were fortunate to be able to visit Banstead Manor Stud to see several other stallions including Frankel. Obviously again Highclere was able to arrange a visit to this very impressive establishment and four legged characters due to their well-earned place in the equine industry.

And then it was back to Newbury where I was driven by Alex at the end of a long day.

A quickly arranged visit to Lambourn and Charlie Hill’s yard where I was able to see Chapter work. I was warmly welcomed by the family prior to driving up to the gallops. This followed by his return and washdown at the stables.

At Newbury, it became clear that the Highclere experience was in full force. The box was full of share owners, the Highclere team and wonderful hospitality, and again a constant flow of information and guidance.

Moonshine performed very well after having to travel across the racecourse from an outside position, and finished well on her first start with a solid 3rd.

A very good day.

The mighty Frankel at the Banstead Manor Stud visit

In summary and from my early perspective,  Highclere has fully delivered on its client centric approach to share ownership in racehorses.  All team members proactively take very seriously (and with smiles) the flow of information and assist beyond as need be, both remotely and in person, to the share owner.

The trainers encountered all seem to take very seriously the care of the Highclere horses in training with them, communicating to owners on horse progress and racing opportunities. It is clear they value highly their relationship with Highclere and the quality horses that Highclere are able to source and entrust to them.

As I am involved in the world of investment management and racing, I long ago understood that racing involvement is one of excitement, ups and downs and hopefully fun and some successes.

The returns should be measured in that way. A financial return, if any, can only be a welcome bonus.

I am convinced that I am in very good hands with Highclere.  I just need to get to the UK more often.