Little did Stephen Currie know taking a Discover Newmarket guided tour would lead to him living his dream of owning a racehorse – well a part of one at least.

Steve and his wife Jackie from Chiddingfold in Surrey, booked onto one of tour specialists, Discover Newmarket’s, half day, Newmarket Experience guided tours which had been recommended by their son. Being keen racegoers, they were looking forward to the visit which included a tour of the hallowed Newmarket gallops, the National Stud and a behind the scenes tour of racehorse trainer Rae Guest’s yard at Chestnut Tree Stables on Hamilton Road.

Steve was shown around the stables by Linda Murphy, Rae’s racing secretary, and was instantly impressed by the friendliness and feel of the whole yard. He was surprised at how much he was able to see and how much he learned.

Steve had toyed with becoming a racehorse owner before, but didn’t want to go it alone and wasn’t keen on being just a number in a large syndicate.  So, the idea was very much left as a daydream. However, having the opportunity to speak to someone knowledgeable on the ground and find out exactly how syndicates work without any pressure or obligation was a game changer for Steve.

A few weeks later, Steve had bought into a three-horse syndicate with racehorse trainer Rae Guest and his amazing journey began.

Horseracing syndicates vary in price and size but by buying into three horses, purchased as yearlings, these syndicates spread the risk, give three times the interest and of course three times the chance of success while retaining an intimate feel. Steve came along to Tattersalls Yearling Sales in October 2021 with Rae and some of the other syndicate members to see the purchase process and he was involved right from the start of his ownership journey.

As part of the package, visits to Chestnut Tree Stables are plentiful (some organised and some ad hoc) and owners are kept fully informed on their horses’ progress through regular updates.  They have access to the trainer and racing secretary at any time and the syndicates have a real sense of community.

It was in May this year that the aptly named Lady Jane Grey made her debut at Lingfield (Lady Jane Cecil is Rae Guest’s sister and a fellow syndicate member – and the filly’s sire is Havana Grey).  Steve met the jockey in the parade ring and saw what goes on just before a race, an experience in itself. Despite a bad draw and being distracted by an errant runner broncing next to her, Lady Jane Grey flew home in front, and Steve was living his dream of owning a winning racehorse.

He said: “I can’t describe the feeling that I had seeing my horse win. Whilst my cautious £2.00 bet didn’t give much of a return, the champagne certainly flowed that evening! We’ve made some great friends and learnt so much about this extraordinary industry. Never would I have believed that being part of a syndicate would allow me to be so involved and provide me with a whole new interest that has captivated both myself and all my family. Even my neighbour was excited for us although I had initially felt bad taking his £5 bet. Needless to say, he was delighted with his 12/1 winnings.”

Rae Guest said: “It is great to welcome people so keen and enthusiastic as Steve and Jackie to their first racehorse ownership experience, and even better to reward them with some success straightaway!  We are a small, friendly team and are always happy to host Discover Newmarket’s guided tours which allow the general public to visit racing yards and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes from their knowledgeable guides. Plus, if you are looking to buy into a syndicate, then the tours provide the perfect opportunity to discreetly find out more with no obligation.  Joining in is easier and more fun than people think and the door is always open.”

Discover Newmarket works with a number of Newmarket trainers and provides behind the scenes tours throughout the year. Their half day Newmarket Experience (£65 pp) or Ultimate Newmarket Experience (£95) packages provides a fascinating insight into the home of horseracing. They run a wide range of experiences which also include Race Day Tours along with visits to the Jockey Club Rooms, National Stud, Tattersalls and the National Horseracing Museum. Private and groups can also be accommodated.