1. What makes Byerley Membership different to a standard syndicate?

Byerley Racing Club purchases horses to race for the enjoyment of its members and remains the legal owner of each horse. This relieves members of the individual costs associated with the club’s horses providing an affordable and fun ownership experience. As a not for profit club, all revenue from membership fees and prize money is directed to further horse purchases, horse training, club administration and member events.

2. Will I still feel like an owner even if I don’t hold a financial interest?

Yes! Byerley Members who have existing shares in horses say they experience the same nerves and excitement when watching their Byerley horses.

3. Does Byerley Membership compliment private race horse ownership?

Yes, a number of Byerley Members are existing owners and view membership as a great way to diversify their current racehorse ownership interests.

For first time owners, Byerley Membership also provides a fantastic first step to experience race horse ownership without the financial commitment of purchasing shares.

4. Will members receive dividends if Byerley’s horses are successful in their racing careers?

Byerley Racing Club’s legal structure as Public Company Limited by Guarantee (ie. not-for-profit) legally requires all surplus revenue to be returned to the Club.

Prize money is used for horse purchases, training, club administration and club sponsored member events, with 5% being donated to the National Jockeys Trust.

5. But what if a Byerley horse wins the Melbourne Cup or is sold to stud for a significant sum?

The Club ensures racing success is shared with its members through events and further horse purchases which broadens members experience.

6. Can I cancel, suspend or transfer my membership?

You may cancel your membership at any time by providing 30 days written notice. However fees paid up to the date of membership cancellation are not refundable*.

Subject to board approval, a member may apply to have their membership suspended for up to 6 months.

Members are not able to transfer their membership at any time.

7. Is there a cooling off period within which I can request a full refund of my joining fee and monthly fee?

The Club does not offer a cooling off period upon receipt of joining fee payment. It is therefore important that prospective members fully consider whether membership of the Byerley Racing Club is right for them prior to paying their membership joining fee and monthly fee.

8. Can I pay my joining fee by instalments?

As membership joining fees go towards upfront costs such as purchasing horses, the club is unable to offer joining fee payment instalment options.

9. Are there discounts available if my partner/friend also wishes to join the Club?

The Club has structured the joining fee and ongoing monthly fee to be affordable without risking the Club’s financial viability. On this basis the Club cannot offer further discounts.

10. Am I recognised as an owner?

Byerley Racing Club is the official registered owner, however Byerley Members have access to race day benefits such as racecourse admission and mounting yard tickets.

*Subject to turf club policy and ticket availability.

11. How does the Club select which horses to purchase?

Expert advice from a bloodstock agent and/or our horse trainer is sought before the purchase of any horse, with the following a general guide:

• good conformation and overall muscular development
• good general health and temperament
• pedigree evidencing racing success
• price to be consistent with the above characteristics

12. How many horses will Byerley own?

With sufficient membership support the Club anticipates building its own stable of between 30 – 50 horses.

13. How will Byerley horses be identified on race day?

All Club horses will carry Byerley’s jockey silks. The race book will also reference the “Byerley Racing Club” as a registered owner.

14. What will happen to Byerley’s horses after racing?

Byerley finds suitable homes for all horses purchased by the Club upon retirement from racing, and members are kept updated on their progress off the track.

Outside of breeding, thoroughbreds are widely used in sports such as polo, dressage and eventing, in addition to making great mounts for leisure riding.

Members may have the opportunity to request to rehome a Byerley horse, post retirement from racing, subject to Managing Director approval.

15. Will Byerley only have one horse trainer?

Henry Dwyer is the Club’s primary horse trainer however as the Club expands it will partner with other leading trainers who have a reputation for racing success and are industry recognised as providing an excellent standard of horse care.

16. How often do members receive communication?

Members receive a weekly club update and regular trainer’s videos and voice updates on all our club horses. Our Club uses the Prism communications platform which is used by leading trainers and syndicators to communicate to their owners.

17. Under what legal structure does Byerley Racing Club operate?

Byerley operates as a Public Company Limited by Guarantee. This legal structure is commonly chosen by sporting clubs and is governed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

18. How is Byerley Racing Club governed?

The Byerley Board of Directors currently consists of 5 Directors.

The Board of Directors is appointed for a term of 12 months.

After this period Byerley members vote for a nominated candidate and/or may wish to nominate themselves for election as a board member.

Directors are not remunerated for their roles.

All members are invited to attend the Club’s Annual General Meeting which is held in December.

19. What say do I get in the management of the Club?

Byerley engages with its members regarding important aspects of the Club’s management. The Board of Directors consider feedback from members before making decisions on any matter.

Each member has equal voting rights and is able to nominate themselves for election to the Board of Directors.

20. How will the Club transition to having its own stable?

When the Club has achieved the required scale of horse ownership (around 25 – 30 horses) the Club will begin to transition to its own stable of horses, with dedicated facilities and staff.

21. How does the Club handle complaints?

Feedback from members is always welcomed. Feedback can be made in writing to [email protected] and will be attended to promptly.

22. How will the Club deal with conflicts of interest?

The Club will provide full disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest to members.