New racing club set up for young guns

YOU don't have to be old, in your dotage, have a bus pass, or even be middle-aged to own a racehorse, it just seems like it to the outside world.

In an effort to alter this negative public perception, the Racehorse Owners' Association has launched a new club to entice more young people to get involved in the sport. Club ROA, which is sponsored by Betfair, and is also backed by Scottish Racing, was unveiled at Hamilton Park yesterday by the man behind the idea, association president Paul Dixon.

"I am passionately keen about making horse racing more attractive to a young audience. The new club is designed to allow them to find out how fantastically exciting racing and racing ownership can be," he explained.

BetfairClub ROA will cost £199 per year and is open to anyone between 18-32.

It will have four horses in training, both on the flat and over jumps, one of whom has already been named Ring Fornando and will be trained by Jim Goldie.

In addition, there will also be stable visits and social events, and every member will be entitled to a free £50 bet courtesy of the sponsors.

Presumably they'll be warned of the perils of betting, or laying, one of their own.