We are delighted to share details for The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate, inspired by James Ferguson (Fgh 03). 

As a boy at Uppingham, James was fascinated with racing. This passion continued to grow, and he has spent his working life dedicated to training and racing the finest thoroughbreds in the world.

In a bid to share his passion and enthusiasm for thoroughbred racing with the Uppingham community, James is delighted to launch the Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate. This will be a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of the sport, as well as a chance to get together with fellow racing lovers at both social and networking events.

The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate explained

BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS
  • A share of any prize money won
  • All horses will run in OU colours
  • Raceday owner badges, subject to availability
  • Racing yard and gallops visits
  • Invitations to social events
  • An annual dinner featuring a horse racing personality
THE EXPERIENCE
  • The syndicate goes live when there are 20 members. Membership fees will fund annual running costs for one leased horse, racing on the Flat
  • If oversubscribed, a waiting list will be maintained for a second syndicate with an additional leased horse
  • Syndicate membership is for a period of 12 months from the date the first horse enters training
  • The syndicate manager and his team will take care of all racing administration
  • Members will be kept informed about training progress, race entries, and jockeys. Importantly, they will be provided with post-race feedback
MEMBERSHIP COSTS
  • Membership is for a 12-month period
  • Membership costs are £2,450 per single share
  • Members are welcome to purchase more than one share
  • Attendance at some social events, such as dinners, will incur additional costs
APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process to join the syndicate is straight forward:

  • First complete the online application form and submit it to James O'Donnell (Syndicate Manager)
  • Speak to James O’ Donnell who will be able to answer any questions 
  • To proceed, transfer the membership(s) fee due, by 20th December 2024
  • Start engaging with the team, the horses and the experience

APPLICATION FORM - PDF FORMAT(to print and complete)

CONTACT DETAILS

If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining or wish to start the application process, contact the syndicate manager James O’Donnell on +44 (0) 7818 063529 or email: [email protected].

If you wish to reach out to the Ambassador, Simon Greenly (F 58), email: [email protected]

    A fun and exciting way to engage in the
    world of horse racing

    The Syndicate Team

    The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Club will be run by the following contacts:

    James Ferguson (Fgh 03), Trainer

    A one-time amateur jockey, he gained his training licence in 2019, having learnt his trade with racing greats Sir Mark Prescott, Charlie Appleby and Jessica Harrington.

    Based in Newmarket, he has had success at Group level and has a growing list of both important owners and horses.

    As Trainer, he will lead his team who look after all aspects of keeping horses in training. He will partner with James O’Donnell to source the syndicate horses.

    James O'Donnell, Manager

    James has over 20 years experience in the international horse racing industry. He has worked with leading racing organisations, Shadwell and Juddmonte.

    He helped found The Racehorse Lotto, which has raised more than £100,000 for charity.

    As Syndicate Manager, he will foster the communication channel with all members, as well as running all syndicate administration.

    Simon Greenly (F 58), Ambassador

    Simon joined his first syndicate in 1998, having attended many races starting in Northumberland aged 5.

    A corporate troubleshooter by trade, he is currently advising a number of small cap UK companies.

    His role as Ambassador will include overseeing the governance of the syndicate. He is the first paid-up member of the Uppingham syndicate.

    FAQs

    We trust the FAQs below will provide valuable information with regards to membership of The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate.  

    View PDF

    Membership Risks and Returns

    The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate should be seen as a fun and exciting way to engage in the world of horse racing.

    Whilst some syndicates make money for their members, most do not; we do not recommend that OUs sign up with an expectation of any financial return.  James O’Donnell (Syndicate Manager) or Simon Greenly (Syndicate Ambassador) will be able to answer any questions you might have about the risks and returns of joining a syndicate.

    James O'Donnell: [email protected]
    Simon Greenly (F 58): [email protected]

    Privacy Policy

    James O’Donnell is responsible for the control of data as detailed in the members application form. The data we request is grouped into identity, contact, communication and financial information.

    All have legitimate purpose and are required to enable the syndicate team to: 

    • register you as a new fully paid-up member
    • manage your relationship with us including bookings, experiences, membership benefits, enquiries, and most importantly, information about your horse’s progress.

    Please also note: The OU team at Uppingham School will be advised of OU contacts applying for membership. Basic information will be provided, including member name, relationship to Uppingham and email address, in order to monitor uptake. 

    If you have any queries or would like any further information on how your data will be used, please contact the syndicate manager, James O'Donnell, who will be pleased to help: +44 (0) 7818 063529 / [email protected].

    Syndicate Management Compliance

    The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate team, James Ferguson and James O'Donnell are members of the RSA (The Racehorse Syndicates Association), which is recognised by the BHA (British Horseracing Authority), ROA (Racehorse Owners Association) and NTF (National Trainers Federation).

    Membership of the The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Syndicate is subject to the acceptance of the Association's Conditions of Membership and the BHA's Code of Conduct for Syndicates. The Syndicate is aligned and compliant with the BHA’s rules on Syndication Management.