Dave Roberts, who runs Dave Roberts Racing from stables at Leasowes Farm, Kenley, near Shrewsbury, has set up DBR Racing Club for horse racing fans. The first company to sign up is Shrewsbury’s award-winning caravan dealership Salop Leisure.
For an annual fee of £500, members receive information on three or more nominated club horses and are able to make a minimum of six visits a year to see the horses at the stables or on the gallops and attend at least six race meetings a year.
“The way that the otherwise expensive sport of kings can be made available so cheaply is that the club does not actually own the horses,” said Mr Roberts, who received his full licence to train race horses in February. “They remain the property of the owners who pick up the normal bills and, hopefully, the prizemoney.
“The club could be seen as a first step towards being a racehorse owner. That isn’t why it was launched, but it would be nice if some club members became owners in the future. The club allows people to see if they like the sport before becoming more involved.
“We are committed to doing our utmost to provide excellent training facilities for our horses, positive experiences for our owners and, hopefully, lots of success, which will reflect well not just on our yard but on our lovely county.”
The club’s selected horses for the 2013-’14 season are Charles Onze, a six-year-old gelding bought from Nicky Henderson’s yard in the summer; Cat Six, a nine-year-old mare that has won four times over hurdles and fences; Chicago Alley, a 12-year-old mare that has won seven times during her career; Tantalized, a four-year-old bay filly by Derby winner Authorized and Highland River, a seven-year-old bay gelding that has won on the flat, hurdles and in chases.
Tony Bywater, Salop Leisure’s chairman, said the company was delighted to support the Roberts family by becoming the first club member and plans to use membership for corporate entertainment.
“We have been associated with the Roberts and Bosworth family, which owns the successful Mill Farm Caravan Park at Hughley, for many years and believe DBR Racing Club offers great value for money,” he added.
“The club gives the company an opportunity to get involved with the excitement of horse racing without having the expense of actually owning a horse. We wish Dave every success with this new venture.”
For more information, please contact Mr Tony Bywater, Salop Leisure chairman, on 01743 282400.
