One week ago British Olympic team gold medallist Carl Hester shot down the idea of a syndicate of thousands of Facebook contributors buying a share in the ownership of Olympic champion Valegro. Refusing to deal with the complexities of such a large group of owners, Hester himself has been working on setting up a syndicate of a few private investors to keep the horse in the U.K.
Horse and Hound wrote today that co-owner Roly Luard has sent a letter to a few select friends and contacts to ask them to join in a syndicate.
Large sums had been offered from other European countries, "but in order to keep him on home ground with the same rider and trainer, we are willing to compromise the price we could receive for him," she explained. “Carl is further willing to underwrite the day-to-day costs of keeping Valegro."
Hester and Luard are aiming to raise £2.5 million pounds for 49% ownership by 31 January 2013. The first syndicate members have pledged £500,000 and they are looking for others who can invest in the region of £250,000.
"We believe his value to British Dressage and the nation, who appear to have well and truly taken him to their hearts, is priceless," said Luard.
If the 10-year old Dutch warmblood gelding (by Negro x Gershwin) can be kept at Carl’s yard, the plan is to campaign him lightly, only attending the major national and international championships.
"The longer-term aim is being part of the British team at the Rio Olympics and to have some fun competing him lightly in the meantime," said Roly Luard.
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Photos © Astrid Appels
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