Our story

About Foal to the Finish

We believe the sport of kings should be for everyone. Here's who we are and how ownership with us works.

Why we started

Great racing, shared with great people

Foal to the Finish was founded by Michael and Jay Hughes — a father and son with a lifelong love of racing — who wanted to share the buzz of ownership with as many people as possible. We handle the hard work — the trainers, the paperwork, the logistics — so you get to enjoy the very best bits. Whether you're a seasoned owner or buying your very first share, you'll be welcomed into a friendly, honest and genuinely fun community.

Who we are

Meet the team

Foal to the Finish is a family operation — a father and son who buy and run every horse we offer, keep a share of each one themselves, and love every minute of it.

The Foal to the Finish team celebrating Adonius's Lily Agnes win at Chester

Michael & Jay Hughes

Owners & founders

A father-and-son team with a lifelong passion for racing, Michael and Jay founded Foal to the Finish to share the thrill of ownership with as many people as possible. They buy and run every horse themselves and always keep a share of each one, so they're invested right alongside every owner. Hands-on with the string day to day, they're always on the end of the phone for our owners.

Who we work with

The people behind some of our horses

From the foaling barn to the finish line, our horses are in expert hands every step of the way — bred at Elwick Stud and trained by Rebecca Menzies.

Breeding

Elwick Stud

Sheraton Farm, Co. Durham

A 200-acre County Durham nursery, home to 130+ thoroughbreds, where our foals are bred and raised. Founded in 1998 by Geoff Turnbull MBE.

Discover Elwick Stud →
Training

Rebecca Menzies Racing

Howe Hills, Sedgefield

One of the North's leading dual-purpose yards and the team behind our unbeaten Adonius. 450+ winners on the Flat and over jumps.

Meet the trainer →
How ownership works

From share to starting stalls

Pick your share

Choose a horse, then decide how much of it you'd like. Shares are sold in 1% stakes — buy a single 1% share for the lowest way in, or several to own a bigger slice. A 1% share in Aodhan is £580 up front plus £40 a month; other horses are priced on application.

Sign & secure

You'll receive a clear ownership agreement. Once signed and paid, you're officially part of the group.

Meet your horse

Come to the yard, watch the gallops and get to know the trainer and team looking after your horse.

Race days

Collect your owners' & trainers' passes, enjoy a meal in the hospitality area, then head to the parade ring and roar your horse home. Anyone who owns a 5% share is guaranteed an owners' badge when Aodhan runs. There's nothing quite like it.

Share the spoils

Any prize money is divided across the group in line with your share. Wins taste even sweeter shared.

Stay in the loop

Regular updates, photos and videos keep you connected between race days, wherever you are.

100%
Transparent costs
2
Horses available now
3‑3
Adonius unbeaten
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How much does it really cost?

Every horse is split into 1% shares, so you can start with a single 1% share for the lowest possible entry. You pay a one-off share price (priced on application) plus a small monthly fee (in proportion to your share) covering training, vet, farrier and insurance. For example, a 1% share in Aodhan is £580 up front plus £40 a month. We're upfront about every cost before you commit. For a fuller breakdown, see how much a racehorse share costs.

What do I actually get?

Owners' racecourse badges when your horse runs, stable visits, prize money, regular updates and membership of a friendly owners' community. Own a 5% share and you're guaranteed an owners' badge when Aodhan runs.

Is racehorse ownership a good investment?

Racing should be treated as a hobby, not a financial investment — horses can win, but there are no guarantees. Own for the enjoyment and treat any prize money as a bonus.

How long does a share last?

Your share lasts for the horse's time with us. We'll always keep you informed about the horse's plans and future.

What does the monthly fee cover?

Your share of the horse's running costs — training fees, vet, farrier, transport, insurance and race entries — split in proportion to the size of your share. We tell you the figure before you commit, and there are no surprise bills.

What happens if the horse is injured or can't race?

Horses are living animals and things don't always go to plan. If a horse is injured, needs time off or has to be retired, its welfare always comes first and we'll keep you fully informed every step of the way. It's exactly why we say to own for the experience, not as an investment.

Can I sell or pass on my share?

In most cases, yes — a share can be transferred or passed to a friend or family member. Just have a chat with us and we'll help arrange it.

Do I have to go to the races?

Not at all. Plenty of owners follow every run from home through our updates, videos and Zoom evenings. The owners' badges, stable visits and race days are there whenever you'd like them — never an obligation.

Come and be part of it

Have a question, or ready to jump in? We'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch