News
A Welcome from Group Owner - Mr Ben Pateman
Let’s be honest, most of us grew up thinking owning a racehorse was something only the rich and famous could do. At The Project, we’re flipping that idea on its head. We believe the buzz of the racecourse, the pride of seeing your colours flash past the post, and the joy of being part of a team should be for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong racing nut or just fancy dipping your toe in for the first time, there’s a place for you here. No jargon. No smoke and mirrors. Just good horses, good people, and the kind of memories money can’t buy. The Project isn’t your typical racing group, and that’s exactly the point. We set out to build something different: a community-first, proudly working-class group that opens the gates of racing to those who’ve always loved the sport from the sidelines. We believe ownership should be exciting, affordable, and transparent, not wrapped in mystery or priced out of reach. Whether you’re buying in for a full share or simply subscribing for six months of racing fun, you’ll be welcomed like family and treated like an owner every step of the way.
Our goal is simple: make high class racing genuinely accessible. We work with trusted trainers, select horses with heart and potential, and keep our group informed, involved, and inspired. From stable visits and race day meet ups to exclusive updates and prize money sharing, everything we do is about giving you the experience - not just the title of ownership. We’re not here to chase headlines or glamour. We’re here to build something real, lasting, and special. If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing “your” horse’s name called at the races, then this is your chance.
Welcome Whiskey Neat!
The Project Horse Racing Group is proud to announce the arrival of its latest equine talent, Whiskey Neat. Purchased as a yearling for £70,000 by Ammo Racing and Valmont, this striking youngster has now joined the ownership portfolio under the stewardship of group founder Ben Pateman and respected trainer Patrick Owens.
Although Whiskey Neat’s early outings on the racecourse have yet to fully showcase his potential, connections remain full of optimism. “He’s a horse we’ve always liked,” said Ben Pateman. “The raw ability is there he just needs time to mature and find his stride. We believe he can turn into a real winner for the team.”
Trainer Patrick Owens echoed that sentiment, praising Whiskey Neat’s attitude on the gallops. “He’s been learning with every run, and he’s starting to strengthen up nicely. I think the best is definitely yet to come.”
The acquisition marks another exciting chapter for The Project Horse Racing Group, whose members will be eagerly following Whiskey Neat’s progress in the coming months. With a proven pedigree, a top-class training environment, and patient handling, hopes are high that the colt will soon be delivering performances worthy of his price tag.
For now, all eyes will be on his next engagement as Whiskey Neat looks to pour himself a measure of success and give his owner and supporters plenty to toast.
Patrick Owens takes up training for The Project!
We are delighted to officially announce that Patrick Owens will be training the horses under The Project Horse Racing Group banner.
Patrick is an accomplished trainer with an excellent reputation for developing horses with care, patience, and precision. His proven track record, dedication to his craft, and ability to bring out the best in every horse he works with made him the natural choice for The Project as we begin our journey into the world of horse racing with professionalism and ambition.
In a recent interview, Patrick shared his excitement about joining forces with Ben Pateman and The Project:
“I’m genuinely excited to be working with Ben and The Project Horse Racing Group. The vision, energy, and structure behind the group are impressive. There’s a clear focus on doing things the right way giving horses the time they need, building a strong ownership community, and putting the welfare of the horse first. It’s a refreshing approach, and I’m looking forward to helping deliver results on the track.”
At The Project, we’ve always said that people matter just as much as horses and bringing in someone like Patrick reinforces that belief. His calm demeanour, strategic mindset, and years of experience will be invaluable as we aim to grow a respected, transparent, and exciting racing group.
As our horses begin their preparations, we’ll be sharing updates from the yard, insights from Patrick himself, and early glimpses into the progression of our team. With Patrick at the helm, we are confident that the journey ahead will be full of promise and hopefully, some winning moments too.
Welcome aboard, Patrick!
T&Cs
The Project Horse Racing Group – Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: July 31, 2025
These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern participation in The Project Horse Racing Group (referred to as “the Group”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) for individuals purchasing a share in a horse owned and managed by Mr. B. Pateman. By purchasing a share, you agree to abide by the terms outlined below.
1. Overview
The Project Horse Racing Group offers members an opportunity to enjoy the experience of thoroughbred racehorse ownership through a tiered share model. This includes regular updates, racecourse opportunities, and potential returns from prize money or sale proceeds.
The Group is fully owned and managed by Mr. B. Pateman, who also owns the horse. While some members may contribute to decisions, Mr. Pateman retains the final say in all matters.
2. Share Structure
Stakeholder Shares:
- 20 Stakeholder Shares are available.
- Each Stakeholder Share costs £1,000 upfront, plus £100 per month.
- Each Stakeholder represents a 2% beneficial interest in the horse.
- Stakeholders are invited to contribute to strategic decisions; however, Mr. Pateman retains final decision-making authority.
Standard Shares:
- 1,000 Standard Shares are available.
- Each Standard Share represents 0.02% of a beneficial interest in the horse.
- Standard Shares are a one-time purchase of £50 and do not include a monthly fee.
Important Notice Regarding Share Allocation:
The allocation of shares — 20 Stakeholder Shares and 1,000 Standard Shares — applies per horse. Each new horse introduced under The Project Horse Racing Group will have its own allocation of shares following this same structure, unless stated otherwise.
Bids or financial investments into The Project Horse Racing Group as a whole (i.e. outside of a specific horse) are considered a separate and private matter. These investments fall outside the scope of this document and will be managed privately by Mr. B. Pateman.
3. Share Distribution and Rights
- Shares are for enjoyment and experience only and do not constitute legal ownership of the horse.
- All rights, including race decisions, veterinary care, training, and entry, remain solely with Mr. B. Pateman.
4. Returns and Financial Distributions
- All prize money and sale proceeds will be distributed pro rata to stakeholders and standard shareholders, after deduction of all racing costs and fees.
- Management fees will be deducted from the Group every 6 months, covering administration, communication, and operational oversight.
- There is no guarantee of making any profit or return from participation in the Group.
- Members participate with full understanding that this is a leisure-based investment and not a financial product.
- All returns are subject to performance, decisions made by the owner/manager, and market conditions.
5. Badge Allocation
- Stakeholders will receive racecourse badges on a rotational basis.
- Standard shareholders will be included in a ballot system for any available badges.
6. Communication and Updates
- Regular updates will be provided to all members via email and/or group platforms.
- Updates may include training reports, race entries, results, and media.
7. Conduct
- Members must act respectfully in all communications.
- Any behaviour deemed disruptive may result in removal from the Group with no refund.
8. Termination of Share
- Members can choose to leave the Group at any time but no refunds will be issued.
- The Group reserves the right to terminate a membership in the event of misconduct or breach of terms.
9. Liability
- The Group makes no promise or guarantee of financial return.
- Horse racing carries inherent risks including injury, illness, poor performance, early retirement, or lack of race participation.
- Members agree that their financial involvement is speculative and for enjoyment purposes.
- The Group and Mr. B. Pateman are not responsible for any losses or disappointment arising from Group decisions, racing results, or horse welfare outcomes.
10. External Investment and Amendments
- The Project Horse Racing Group reserves the right to accept larger investments from individuals or entities outside the current shareholder structure.
- Any such investment may result in a change to the Group’s structure, management, benefits, or shareholding ratios.
- If a structural change occurs, all members will be notified and revised Terms and Conditions will be issued.
- Continued participation in the Group after such notification will be considered acceptance of the new terms.
11. Nature of Shareholding
- All shares issued by The Project Horse Racing Group are not permanently acquired by the purchaser.
- Instead, shares are loaned by the sole owner, Mr. B. Pateman, solely for the purpose of providing an experience of shared racehorse involvement.
- This structure ensures the Group operates as a Racing Group, and not as a Racing Club or Syndicate under BHA (British Horseracing Authority) or HMRC definitions.
- Shareholders acknowledge they do not hold any legal title or registration of ownership over the horse; all legal and beneficial ownership remains with Mr. B. Pateman at all times.
12. Private Agreements and Legal Shareholding
- While all standard and stakeholder shares are loaned and not legally owned by the purchaser, individual agreements or separate contracts can be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
- These private agreements may offer legal shareholding in a horse or horses owned by Mr. B. Pateman and/or The Project Horse Racing Group.
- Any such arrangements will be formalized under a separate legal contract and do not affect the structure or terms of the general Racing Group model.
13. Contact Details
The Project Horse Racing Group
📧 Email: contact@theprojecthorseracinggroup.com
📞 Phone: 07548 978456
🌐 Website: TheProjectHorseRacingGroup.com