WHY DO WE NOT BUY MORE EXPENSIVE 2yr OLDS?

I don't do enough of these pieces as typically I come across as a moaner, negative, defensive or all 3.

However, I am going to try and add a more positive angle to racing, what we do and try to achieve and what our trainers achieve and answer more of the questions we are asked in more detail.

WHY DO WE NOT BUY MORE EXPENSIVE 2yr OLDS?

In simple terms, the more money you spend does not always equate to more success. We prefer to look to get involved in horses that have potential but also have a story of some kind, and are likely to suit the needs of the Crowd.

We have invested decent money on a number of young horses and with mixed success.

ARISHKA cost £24,0000. She had a tricky season before winning twice and being sold to stud for £14,500. She also won £10,000 in prize money and gave us some great days out.
BORN TO FINISH cost £34,000. His 2yr old season was winless, and it was actually his final run of his 3yr old campaign, in fact on the final day of his 3yr old year, before he won. His 14th race! He did go on and win 10 and place on another 15 occasions. What a legend he was and I would pay double for half the horse he was.
NANTOSUELTA was £40,000. She had 4 runs and was underwhelming. Dogged by growing pains, and then injury, she never had the chance to show what she could do and will always be the "one that got away".
GENUINELY CROWDED was £30,000 and after 8 runs, she was sold to friend of the Crowd to try a jumping career after being hugely disappointing. It transpired she has an issue which actually prevented her running again. She is also now at stud.

Of the older horses, we have had a lot better value.

ACED IT - £800, and 2 wins and 5 places and an improvement of 16 lbs in the handicap!
MILITRY DECORATION - £6,000, and 2 wins and 8 places and also an improvement of 16 lbs in the handicap.

We will also consider so many more factors than just price when looking at horses, and leases and shared ownership are always good options, but only for the right horse.

As a very current example, there was a very low grade race at Brighton today.

A 0-50 Classified is pretty much as low a grade race you will find and it was won by 5yr old who was a cheap purchase but in behind was some pricey and ultimately very average horses. Middleham Park Racing had two x 3yr olds run from the Richard Hannon stable, rated 44 and 50 and they finished 5th and 7th. Well beaten. These two cost over £100,000 combined.
The horse that finished 4th was initially a 100k horse!

The simple answer to WHY DO WE NOT BUY MORE EXPENSIVE 2yr OLDS?
There is absolutely no guarantee that more money equals more success.

If only it was that easy!

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