Q & A with Own The Dream Ambassador Brittany Taylor

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE TEAMS IN OWN THE DREAM 2019?

Take the opportunity with both hands and make the most of it. It’s not very often you get the chance to get up close with some of racings greatest trainers and breeders to pick their brains! Gather a group of friends and use it as an excuse to get together in the New Year. Immerse yourself amongst the like-minded people also taking part in the series.

WHAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT FROM LAST YEAR’S SERIES?

Building a little Own the Dream family and the comradery between the group was the greatest part. The level of genuine enthusiasm and interest from everyone who came along on the tours was fantastic. One example is of a gentleman who loved a yearling nicknamed ‘Crumpet’ when we went on the ‘Newbies’ stud tour – he followed the horse throughout the sale and took note of the trainer she went to, the purchase price etc. Crumpet became the Trevor Andrews trained Miss West Coast who placed 2nd in the very first two-year-old race of theyear; the Initial Plate.

I made sure everyone wrote downnotes in their sale book. Even if theyweren’t experts on breeding or a horse’sconformation – pick a few favourites sowe could follow them in their careers. Ican’t wait to reunite with those peopleand revisit how those horses that theypicked are now going.

Some entrants went one better than justmarking their book, they actually boughtinto horses as first time owners! It’s safeto say they haven’t looked back!

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST MYTHSABOUT RACEHORSE OWNERSHIP?

People assume racehorse ownershipis for the elite, it is simply not the case.Small share ownership is becomingincreasingly popular, in some casesowners can own just 1% of a horse but Ipromise you they still get just as muchenjoyment out of the whole experience.

The other barrier to entry is people simply don’t know where to start. It can be intimidating to approach a trainer if you really don’t know all that much about the industry.

The Own the Dream events aim tofacilitate the meeting of key industrypersonnel and answer any ‘silly questions’you might have in a comfortableenvironment.

YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THERACING INDUSTRY YOUR WHOLELIFE. WHAT HAS BEEN YOURGREATEST THRILL SO FAR?

Outside of Barakey’s Group 1 Winterbottom win, one of my favourite moments was New Time winning at start 100. It was just a midweek race but we had set the veteran 10 yearold for that exact race. A couple months earlier I had recorded a video whilst on his back saying ‘Operation make Timey win his 100th start has commenced.’ Sure enough, he didn’t let us down. My reaction jumping up and down almost in tears as he crossed the line was caught on camera. I didn’t own him nor did I even have a bet on him that day; sometimes it’s just for your love of the animal.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO OWN A WINNER?

The excitement is one that is so unique. The build-up as you watch your horse progress through its preparation, to the trials, then to a race fills you with so much anticipation.

Then it’s race day and when they hit the front with 100m to go, you’re riding them home from the grandstand like that will make them go faster and then when they win, you’re jumping around hugging anyone standing next to you – it’s just great! You can’t help but be so proud of YOUR horse. And hey – the prizemoney is a bonus too!

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH THE OWN THE DREAM SERIES IN 2019?

My biggest wish is that everyone walks away at the conclusion of the series feeling armed with knowledge about the industry and ownership. Only one lucky group can win the prize but by the end of the series, nonwinners will have had a taste for racehorse ownership and if it’s something they are interested in pursuing they will know the avenues available to them.

The excitement is one that is so unique. The build-up as you watch your horse progress through its preparation, to the trials, then to a race fills you with so much anticipation

2019 EVENTS

* Events may be subject to change.

Check ownthedreamwa.com.au for updated information

20 JANUARY

SUNDOWNER LAUNCH

FUNK Cider, Swan Valley The competition commences and teams are inaugurated over afternoon drinks in the Swan Valley.

27 JANUARY

SOUTHERN STABLE TOUR

Karnup/Oldbury Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the facilities and properties of some of our states leading trainers.

3 FEBRUARY

NORTHERN STUD & STABLE TOUR

Bullsbrook/Swan Valley We tour the northern region of thoroughbred studs and trainers, visiting the sites where your future star took their first steps.

5 FEBRUARY

MAGIC MILLIONS BARRIER DRAW

Barrack Square, Elizabeth Quay Be part of the action as connections select the barriers their horses will start from at the Magic Millions Pinjarra Race Day.

9 FEBRUARY

PINJARRA RACE DAY MARQUEE

Millions 2yo Classic and the $150,000 Magic Millions 3yo Trophy.

10 FEBRUARY

ASCOT STABLE TOUR

Ascot Racecourse Bring your walking shoes and enjoy a rare behind the scenes tour of the stables and trainers in Ascot.

16 FEBRUARY

SYNDICATION RACE DAY

Crown Perth Bar, Ascot Racecourse Which syndicator will you choose to start your racehorse ownership journey? Come and enjoy a thrilling race day at

17 FEBRUARY

RACING CONNECTIONS MASTERCLASS

Swan Valley Magic Millions Sales Complex Do you have what it takes to pick a future champion out from the sale? Come and learn how to read a sale page and what to look for in terms of a horse’s composition.

18 FEBRUARY

MAGIC MILLIONS PERTH YEARLING SALE & WINNER ANNOUNCED

Swan Valley Magic Millions Sales Complex This is it! Enjoy the spectacle of a yearling auction!