Horse Ownership
“There is no better thrill than watching your horse win. Whether you own 5% or 50% you cannot recreate that buzz. I look forward to taking you on the journey from your first purchase to the winners enclosure.”
Ownership Opportunities
At Michael Hickmott Bloodstock, we pride ourselves on creating ownership opportunities to suit every budget and every level of racing ambition. We understand that each owner is seeking something different from their experience, whether you’re investing in a future breeding prospect or simply taking a 5% share with friends for the thrill of raceday. Our goal is simple: to find you the right horse, and most importantly, one capable of winning races.
Yearlings
Michael maintains a strong presence at all major yearling sales across Australasia. With decades of hands-on experience, he has developed an exceptional ability to identify high-class racehorses at the earliest stage of their careers.
As technology and genetic insights continue to evolve, we incorporate advanced data, biomechanical metrics, and pedigree analysis to refine our shortlists. These tools complement, not replace, Michael’s trusted expertise and eye for athleticism, type, and temperament.
Every yearling we purchase must also meet our strict veterinary standards, ensuring our horses are sound, resilient, and set up for long and successful racing careers.
Tried Horses
The tried-horse market continues to be a rich source of winners for our stable. Michael works closely with one of Australia’s leading form analysts, Daniel O’Sullivan, continually assessing race and trial performances to identify horses with genuine upside.
Our team collaborates with proven New Zealand bloodstock agents while personally following the NZ trials closely. New Zealand has consistently provided tough, high-quality gallopers that thrive in South Australia, able to provide owners with quick returns on their investment leading us to put a big emphasis on this aspect of sourcing racehorses.
We monitor the major online auction platforms frequently and are active in sourcing gallopers through private sales as well. South Australia offers a unique advantage for tried horses stepping down from the elite jurisdictions of NSW and VIC, with more suitable races while still having access to the terrific prize money levels. Many of these horses flourish with a change of environment, targeted placement, and our tailored training approach.
The Benefits of Racing in South Australia
There has never been a more rewarding time to own and race a horse in South Australia. Prizemoney levels have surged well beyond pre-COVID benchmarks thanks to major recent announcements from Racing SA and their sponsors.
Strong Metropolitan Prize money
All metropolitan races now offer a minimum of $50,000 in total prizemoney, providing exceptional earning opportunities for owners at all levels. In addition, feature and Stakes races have received substantial prizemoney increases, driven in part by the government’s significant investment into the South Australian racing scene.
Racing Rewards SA – Exceptional Bonus Opportunities
Alongside the already generous prizemoney structure, the Racing Rewards SA program (formerly SABOIS) continues to deliver major improvements. One of the standout benefits is the opportunity for maiden gallopers to earn more than $50,000 for their first win when bonuses are included.
The Racing Rewards SA pool now exceeds $3 million in bonuses, with eligible Saturday metropolitan races offering an additional $31,350. This elevates the total potential prize for these races to up to $86,350, making South Australia one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the country for owners seeking strong returns on investment.
