NOT many celebrations on the first day of Royal Ascot could match those of the Thurloe Thoroughbreds syndicate members, as Belloccio got his head in front to win the Copper Horse Handicap for William Buick and Willie Mullins. A great contingent of shareholders were on hand to witness the success and, as Thurloe representative Jess Stafford told me: “They sure know how to enjoy it.”

Acquired for €60,000 last November and sent to Willie Mullins, Belloccio shed his maiden tag over hurdles at the first time of asking at Punchestown last month. He is the type of horse that the members in Thurloe Thoroughbreds look to buy.

Sourced by long time friend to the Stafford family and current Irish racing manager, Philip Hackett, Belloccio was on the radar for a while due to some decent back form and is described by Jess as the type of horse to slip under the radar due to exposure.

Jess explained how this horse was bought following previous success in Ireland, such as with Galway Festival winner Farout, and the plan was always to send another syndicate horse to join Judicieuse Allen at Closutton. She simplified Thurloe’s buying strategy saying: “We look for nice horses that can bring about enjoyable days for us all.”

Managed by Phillip Hackett, Jess is joined in the syndicate by her parents James and Nicky, uncle Oliver Pawle and many more connections from both the UK and Ireland. James Stafford established the operation in 1995 after a career in racing journalism and has over 40 years of experience in the industry from both reporting and syndicate management. On their website Thurloe boasts a success rate of 70% of syndicate horses winning a race.

Oliver Pawle is not only a key member of the Thurloe team, he also enjoyed further success this week as the breeder of Hampton Court Stakes winner Jayarebe.

Earlier this month the British Horseracing Authority introduced new rules regarding racehorse syndicators and racing club managers, requiring licences to further strengthen the regulation of shared ownership.

The changes are welcomed by Jess and her team. “We’re definitely happy to see these changes,” she said. “Regulation is important for all parties involved and transparency has always been our biggest priority. We’re more than happy to comply.”

Existing syndicators and club managers in Britain will require a licence from January 1st, 2026, while those looking to set up a new syndicate or club will need to ensure they have been granted one before January 1st, 2025.

Syndicates such as Thurloe Thoroughbreds play an essential role in the long-term sustainability of racing and clubs allow more people to enter shared ownership without large scale investment.

Asked to give advice to anyone dreaming of owning a Royal Ascot winner, Jess said: “You must have optimism. We have been doing this for a long time. The low days are a part of the experience but if you work with the right people and enjoy the comradery of syndicate ownership, then you’re sure to have some brilliant days.”