The statistics are striking, nine winners from 28 runners, 13 horses placed second to fifth and an impending run at the Cheltenham Festival in March. These are impressive headline figures for Ditcheat Thoroughbreds, the most talked-about ownership syndicate in racing.
Having a runner at the Cheltenham Festival – and one with a great chance of walking back into the home of National Hunt racing's winner's enclosure – is every jump racing fans dream.
Next month Coillte Lass will become Ditcheat Thoroughbreds' first Cheltenham Festival representative. All her connections are hoping she could emulate Marracudja, who became Ditcheat Thoroughbreds' first winner at the famous track earlier in the season.
Like all of Ditcheat Thoroughbreds' ten horses, Coillte Lass is trained by the ten times champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
Ian Fogg, Ditcheat Thoroughbreds founder said: “You give yourself the best chance possible by being with Paul Nicholls. Spending time with him at the races and at his fantastic yard is one of the wonderful things about being part of Ditcheat Thoroughbreds.
“We've taken the plunge and bought very good horses ‘Saturday horses', who can run on the big race-days.”
Ian Fogg commented “Ditcheat Thoroughbreds has only been going for five months and to have a runner at the Festival with a good chance is quite incredible and very exciting.”
Looking further forward, we are really thrilled by the syndicates prospects. With the progress of the scopey youngster Monsieur Co and the success of One Night in Milan's siblings – with two Grade 1 Winners including the superstar Native River, there are good times ahead. Jessber's Dream is improving with every run and the owners of Volpone Jelois have been having a great time celebrating his successes.
The concept of Ditcheat Thoroughbreds – ten high-quality horses trained by Paul Nicholls, and an ownership deal that involves paying just one initial fee to cover all costs – has proved very popular. It has a two-year cycle, so join now and reap the rewards over the next season and a half.
“We have syndicate members from all over the world, and several who have never been involved in racing before,” said Ian. “Even the Ditcheat parish priest has joined up! He said he didn't realise how exciting it would be to be involved in racing behind the scenes. We have all made new friends and there are a few spaces left to join us. Honestly, it's all about fun and we are certainly celebrating.”
“It's the future of ownership, I believe. All prize-money goes back to the syndicate members and so does the money made when a horse is sold. Any unspent funds get distributed as well. It is a very fair, open and transparent system.”
As well as enjoying hospitality at the racecourse and having the chance to visit Paul Nicholls' Somerset yard to watch the Ditcheat Thoroughbreds horses on the gallops, there is a programme of exclusive events for Ditcheat Thoroughbreds syndicate members. With a dedicated App, website, regular podcasts and updates, you are always in touch with what is going on.
As well as Coillte Lass, Ditcheat Thoroughbreds has enjoyed success this season with the likes of Marracudja, Monsieur Co, Coastal Tiep and Volpone Jelois.
Nicholls said: “There is so much to look forward to, both this season and next season, this is a two-year deal and it is as much about next season as this one. Ian looks after everyone in the syndicates so well and we have a lot of fun. If you are even half-tempted, come and join us.”
