CHAMPAGNE & BLACK CAVIAR

Written 2012

A day at the races has taken a back seat over the past few years.  Think the Equine Influenza- enforced halt to racing, followed by the GFC.  Competition for sporting crowds and the convenience of four racing channels in your lounge room – has prompted the industry to have a long hard look through the binoculars at how to not only attract race day crowds, but new racehorse owners.

Then along comes Black Caviar.  Her record of 13 straight wins has prompted comparisons with Phar Lap, who gave pre-World War II Australia a positive focus.

While Australia’s current economic climate is not quite akin to the Great Depression, Black Caviar is certainly engendering a similar response from race fans and the general population.

Race day attendances soar to three or four times the norm when Black Caviar races.  Twenty deep crowds at the Mounting Yard fence waving flags bearing her race colours, mark a return of enthusiasm for racing and its super stars.

How many horses have an official website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter account?  Black Caviar does.

And on the other side of the Mounting Yard fence are her owners, who can’t believe their luck.  Formed on a houseboat weekend is a partnership of eight owners having the ride of their lives.  Not only are they ‘rock stars’ by association, but their bank balances have benefited by nearly $3.5 million in prizemoney.  Not to mention the proceeds of any wagers they cared to make along the way.

It’s tipped that prizemoney per standard Saturday race will soon rise from $70k to $100k in Sydney.  In Melbourne, the prizemoney is similar.  Stakes races carry even more prize money, with the pinnacles in each state being the $3.5 million Golden Slipper for 2 year olds in Sydney and the $6 million Melbourne Cup for older horses.

On top of prize money, bonus schemes created by yearling auction houses and state breeders’ associations can regularly see $20k to $30k added to metro race wins and special high prizemoney races held for eligible stock.

Couple attractive prizemoney with racing’s burning desire to get owners back on-course, and a day at the races can be great fun.

As an owner (whether a 1% or 100% shareholder) you are afforded Members Area Privileges on the day your steed races. 

Scenario 1: Your horse wins.

You jump up and down and yell, running into Mounting Yard to meet the happy trainer.  Breathless horse and jockey return to the Winner’s Circle.  You are not frowned upon if you kiss all three.   If it’s a trophy race, all muster for a presentation, at which you or another owner is expected to string words together in appreciation of the munificent race club, the sweaty beasts (horse and jockey) and the slightly damp (through contact with sweaty beasts) trainer.  In turn, those individuals will thank you for your patronage and you will be presented with a trophy and sash.

If it is not a trophy race, skip the presentation and go straight to being greeted by a smiling official, who ushers you into the Winner’s Room where you are plied with champagne and sandwiches and treated to a never ending replay of your horse winning.   You are presented with a DVD and a sash and before the next race is run and won, you are gently ejected back out into the Member’s Area.  Expect to be treated to several slaps on the back and in turn, your non- horse owning friends will expect to be treated to several rounds of drinks.

Scenario 2: Your horse loses.

You shout encouragement then groan, schlepping back into the Mounting Yard to meet the pensive trainer.  Sweaty horse and jockey return to the Yard.  You are frowned upon if you kick all three.   You stand with the trainer while the jockey delivers a dissertation on reasons for the loss.

You shuffle off to the Loser’s Room (not it’s real name – it’s called the “Connections Room”) where you are plied with champagne and sandwiches and subjected to a never ending replay of your horse losing.   Usually the trainer will accompany you and explain, stride for stride, what went awry.  You meet other losers and co-commiserate.  Before the next race is run and lost, you are gently ejected back out into the Member’s Area.  Expect to be treated to several consolatory comments and in turn, your non- horse owning friends will be expected to treat you to several rounds of drinks.

Sharing the elation or pain of ownership with a group of like-minded thrill seekers can be a great ride at a fraction of the cost.  Partnerships are proving very popular.  And there’s always the possibility of a financial up-side – just ask Black Caviar’s owners.