What Our Owners Say
How did you become an owner with Martin Smith Racing?
"Referral from a friend"
Dean Hawley
"I became a member of Martin Smith Racing through twitter, I saw a tweet about a new racing syndicate, got in touch with Martin and spoke on the phone briefly. I knew straight away that Martin was genuine and honest, plus everything was explained upfront, so there was no hidden extras."
Scott Rogers
"I became an owner with Martin Smith Racing soon after a visit to the stable, having been in contact with Martin for several months before the visit through social media. I had a fantastic day meeting Martin, Michelle and the rest of the team and friends of the stable. Importantly, it was great to see the TLC which the horses receive. I was keen to get involved and was lucky enough to acquire a share in a horse with Martin not long after."
Phillip Cowley
"About three years ago I accompanied a friend who was looking to buy his wife Janet a share in a horse in the Little Princess Racing. Martin and Michelle made us very welcome and we spent the morning on the gallops and being shown round the stable and facilities. This "wetted my appetite"
Brian Wiggins
"The power of Social Media, I met Martin and Michelle via Twitter, made arrangements to go and meet them and that afternoon found myself in the Parade Ring through the kindness one of the other owners. Subsequently I bought into Little Princess Racing horse Princess Alessia."
Colin Rumsby
"I went to the Newmarket open day and visited Martins yard. After meeting him and Michelle I was really impressed by how they had time to show me around and talk to me about the the horses they have in training. Martin told me about the horses that were available to have shares in and a week later I went back and took out a share."
Gary Wenlock
Have you been an owner before? If so, who have you owned in the past and how has your experience with Martin Smith Racing been different?
"Quarter share owner in horse called Veni Vidi Vici in training with Mikey Heaton Ellis many years ago. I had been looking to get back into racing as an owner for a number of years and looked at many schemes. Martin Smith Racing gives the owner so much more than a horse and I am very proud to be associated with them, no other racing syndicate comes close. Martin Smith Racing is so different, nothing is too much trouble for Martin, Michelle and the team. They are always available and we have been down to the stables 3 times and been racing once and i've only been an owner for a few weeks!! Its a pleasure to call them friends now."
Dean Hawley
"This is my first time being an owner"
Scott Rogers
"I was a member of a well known racing club many years ago for a short period of time. My experience with Martin Smith Racing has been much more positive, mainly because of the more personal nature of the interactions."
Phillip Cowley
"Linda & I have always enjoyed racing and could see that, for a relatively small layout, we could enjoy the benefits of being an owner. So we both bought a share and have had a great deal of fun since."
Brian Wiggins
"It's my first experience of owning and it's been a great one! I would highly recommend Martin Smith Racing to anyone thinking of getting involved."
Colin Rumsby
"I had a share in a horse called Grand Palace. The difference with having a share with Martin and Michelle is that they keep you informed all the time about your horse and treat you the same if have a small share or own the horse."
Gary Wenlock
Everyone knows it can be expensive to own a race horse, do you feel like you have received good value for money with Martin Smith Racing?
"Most definitely, absolutely wonderful place, Martin, Michelle and the team keep a happy stable and that rubs off on the horses. They look amazing happy horses and happy horses mean they run well!! Martin and Michelle are constantly in touch with updates which is fantastic"
Dean Hawley
"I would say that without a doubt value for money. All the cost's are very reasonable and you never get an email or call asking for more, or for another charge you weren't aware of."
Scott Rogers
"I think that Martin Smith Racing represents great value for money. Even though I live in Scotland and do not get to attend races as often as I would like, I always enjoy my interactions with Martin and Michelle. It is great to tap into their knowledge and discuss future plans. There is always something to look forward to and I love the build up to a race, looking through the entries / declarations / form and discussing the race with Martin. Then of course the race itself and post-race thoughts."
Phillip Cowley
"To be an owner has always been out of the question for us for financial reasons but to be part of Martin Smith Racing for a reasonable fee has given us an opportunity we didn't think that we would get."
Brian Wiggins
"It's great value for money and i've loved every minute of being involved. It's like all hobbies, it does cost money but it's only as little or as much as you can afford."
Colin Rumsby
Where can you see Martin Smith Racing in 5 year's time?
"A lot further on from where they are now!! I can't see them staying where they are as they are sure to expand, their knowledge is second to none and new owners are guaranteed! That is presuming I don't win the lottery in the mean time because if I did, then I would buy a large training HQ for them to train out of, that is the esteem I hold all of them in!!!"
Dean Hawley
"I can see Martin Smth Racing going a long way in 5 years, you only have to look what it's achieved in the first couple of years, and with more support from new and existing owners, the sky's the limit!"
Scott Rogers
"There is no doubt that Martin and Michelle are talented race horse trainers who are a pleasure to be involved with. I imagine that over the coming years the stable will grow in size and quality as they raise their profile. Building on their early success, whilst retaining the personal approach that has served them so well to date."
Phillip Cowley
"Martin Smth Racing has come a long way in such a short period of time, I would like to think that the business is developed and grown at the current rate and the success continues. I truly believe that the loyal owners and supporters of Martin Smth Racing will ensure that this happens."
Colin Rumsby
"Considering the number of horses in the stable there has been plenty of successes. It is nice to look in the paper every morning to see if any of Martin's race horses are running. I am convinced that the stable will go from strength to strength as they get more owners and better quality horses - success breeds success."
Brian Wiggins
Has being an owner added to your quality of life/lifestyle?
"Most definitely, the buzz from going to the stables and watching your horse on the gallops, then going racing and standing in the parade ring is second to none. Telling people you that you own a racehorse is one of the best feelings in the world but owning a horse with the Smiths is like an expansion of your family! We have met other owners who have horses with the Smiths and everyone is so friendly, one giant happy family and we look forward to many more days out in the future."
Dean Hawley
"Being an owner has been great for me, great days out racing and meeting other owners, plus the Christmas parties are always a great night!
I would 100% recommend getting into Martin Smth Racing, i've been an owner from the start, and I can't see any reason why I wouldn't be for a very long time."
Scott Rogers
"Definitely! I have added new friends to my network, had great days out with like-minded people and always have that next race to look forward to."
Phillip Cowley
"We have had a great deal of fun being an "owner". We have been to Doncaster, Haydock, Epsom, Lingfield, Wolverhampton, Gt Yarmouth and Windsor with our horses. As owners we are fortunate to get free entry and refreshments at the courses and the highlight for me is to be able to go into the parade ring before the race and winners enclosure after the race if we have done well.
The other fun opportunities are to go to the stable at any time to see the horses and talk to Martin and Michelle, as well as open days and other functions where it is nice to meet the other owners."
Brian Wiggins
"Definately, I have seen and done things that I have never experienced. Completely besotted with racing and love visiting the stables and getting close to the horses."
Colin Rumsby
"In the job I have there is always a lot of pressure to finish the work on time. So going to the stables and going racing has a owner is a great way to forget work and in enjoy life."
Gary Wenlock
Is there anything we can do to provide a better service for you?
"Highly unlikely! The only thing I would suggest is that, in time, when they are in a bigger place, do what George and Ann Duffield have done and build some lodges in the grounds, so that people can stay for a week or weekend, Now that would be the cherry on the cake, I would never be away!!"
Dean Hawley
"Move to Scotland ;-) No, seriously, the service is perfect as it stands."
Phillip Cowley
"The set up is ideal for us. The only thing I would say is that since we have been involved there have been so many stable moves that we have trouble remembering where to go (only joking)."
Brian Wiggins
"Stupid question really as I know I can contact Martin Smith Racing at pretty much anytime I like. Does it get any better?"
Colin Rumsby
Would you advise other owners to move to Martin Smith Racing?
"1000%, the Smiths and team love their horses and are so friendly, we wish them all the luck in the world. Each year we will get more and more shares with them and would never have another horse with anyone else. The personal touch they give is worth so much. Anyone looking to invest a small or a large amount in a horse should get down to Liberty stables and take a look, there is NO ONE BETTER!! Don't put it off give them a call immediately!"
Dean Hawley
"Absolutely. I thought about it carefully beforehand and it is one of the best decisions I made. I look forward to the future with Martin Smoth Racing and all the enjoyment and success that it will bring."
Phillip Cowley
"I would definitely recommend Martin Smith Racing to anyone who wants "to dip their toe" into ownership, the yard is competitive but there is a fun aspect to the set-up."
Brian Wiggins
"If they want a committed, dedicated team then yes. I 'd always advise them to go along and see the Happy Horses and then make their own mind up."
Colin Rumsby
"If you want a trainer to give you and your horse 1st class treatment then go to Martin Smith Racing"
Gary Wenlock