What are the main monthly costs of owning a racehorse?

Trainer day rate, routine vet/farrier, and day-to-day care services form the core monthly burn (varies by circuit and care plan).

What costs spike around race week?

Shipping/van, jockey-related fees, entries, and extra vet/farrier touch-ups can increase race-week costs.

How should owners budget for the unexpected?

Keep a contingency reserve for vet events, downtime, and schedule changes—racing has variance.

Why does cost structure matter for ROI?

Returns are about net, not gross: purse outcomes minus monthly burn. Budgeting improves decision-making and expectation setting.