Wealthy businessmen and women often like to diversify their portfolio into areas that interest them as individuals.
Some invest in tech-based start-ups, some might help to finance movies or TV series’, while others allow their interest in sport to guide their next acquisition.
Horse racing has long been a popular playground for the rich and successful, so here’s a look at the most successful racehorse owners of all time.
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J.P. McManus
Having made more than $15 million in prize money in the last five years alone, it’s fair that J.P. McManus sits atop our rundown!
The Irishman is one of the few trainers to win the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup double, and already he is eyeing the 2024-25 National Hunt season – his horse, Fact to File, sits second in the racing odds for the Gold Cup at +350, behind the favorite (and two-time champion) Galopin Des Champs at +300.
👀 Win number 9️⃣9️⃣ for @WillieMullins Fact To File storms to the win in the Brown Advisory Novices; Chase #ITVRacing #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 13, 2024
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
As one of the ruling figures of the kingdom of Dubai, it’s fair to say that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has plenty of spare cash to invest in his passion for racing.
His Godolphin yard has saddled more than 5,000 winners worldwide – Anamoe alone racking up in excess of $8 million in prize money.
Prince Khalid bin Abdullah
The Juddmonte Group is synonymous with racing success around the globe – Prince Khalid bin Abdullah developed the operation into a multi-global interest with offices in Lexington and Newmarket, which are two of the epicenters of Flat racing.
A breeding operation and ownership network, Juddmonte has a staggering list of Group 1 winners to their name – Danehill, Enable and the incomparable Frankel amongst them.
John Magnier
Via his Coolmore stud operation, John Magnier is one of the most successful Flat racing owners on the planet.
The likes of Rock of Gibraltar, Montjeu and Galileo have won million of dollars in prize money for Magnier in racing, breeding or both!
Seth Klarnan
Growing up a stone’s throw from the famous Pimlico Racetrack, it’s no surprise that Seth Klarnan – president of the hedge fund Baupost Group – has moved into racehorse ownership.
His Klaravich Stables project, set up alongside Jeff Ravich, has earned a whopping $43 million in prize money… and counting.
Trevor Hemmings
Although he sadly passed away in 2021, Trevor Hemmings left behind a legacy of horse racing brilliance.
Amongst his greatest achievements in the sport is winning the Grand National with three different horses – making him the joint winning-most owner in the race’s history.
Peter M. Brant
Publisher, movie producer, art collector… is there no end to Peter M. Brant’s talents?
He’s enjoyed success in racehorse ownership too, banking millions in prize money from horses that include Swale, a Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes champion.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The blue-and-white colors of Shadwell Racing are synonymous with success on the Flat, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum on ownership duty.
Shadwell horses have won many of the biggest races on the planet, including the Epsom Derby, Melbourne Cup, and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Kia Joorabchian
Better known to many as a soccer agent, Kia Joorabchian has diversified into horse racing with some success.
King of Steel has won nearly $2 million in prize money alone, winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.
🟣⚪️ What a horse! 🙌 👑 King Of Steel cements his reputation as one of the best 3yos around with a huge win in the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes @Ascot Huge congratulations to @varianstable and our #1 rider Kevin Stott 👏 pic.twitter.com/Xg0aJ2StoR Amo Racing Ltd (@amoracingltd) June 24, 2023
Brian Acheson
An engineering industry multi-millionaire, Brian Acheson has pumped some of his vast resources into horse racing.
It’s been a savvy decision. His horses Gerri Colombe, Irish Point, and Teahupoo are some of the leading jumpers in Ireland, and his whole yard has won more than $3 million in prize money in their native country since 2019.
It would be true to say that racehorse ownership can be a lucrative passion project!
