The dream of owning a racehorse begins at the yearling sale
On Friday 19 September the auction takes place at York Stutteri in Hørsholm. This is the way into the world of racing — and your chance to stand with a winner of your own.
For most people, a love of racing begins in the stands. You feel the rush as the field breaks from the stalls, and the atmosphere as the horses storm towards the line.
For some, it doesn’t stay a fascination from afar — they dream of becoming part of it, and of seeing their own colours race.
Owning a racehorse in Denmark is more accessible than many think, and there are several ways to get involved. Here is a look inside the world of racing — and the many ways you can get closer to standing with a winner of your own.
Scandinavian Open Yearling Sale
Yearling auction at York Stutteri
Friday 19 September, 1:00 PM
The Scandinavian Open Yearling Sale is one of the highlights of the Danish racing calendar — a place where future stars change hands and new adventures begin. The auction is run by Dansk Galop, the governing body of Thoroughbred racing in Denmark, and the horses going through the ring are around eighteen months old.
It brings together breeders, trainers, owners and enthusiasts from across Scandinavia, and every horse led through the ring represents a chance to write the next chapter in the sport’s history.
For new owners, the sale is an ideal way into the sport — a place to get advice, meet experienced trainers and form the first relationships that prove invaluable in racing.
The atmosphere in the auction hall is intense as the bids fall, and everyone is welcome to experience it ringside. For breeders it is the culmination of years of work — for buyers, the beginning of a journey full of hope, expectation and dreams.
Admission is free. The first horse enters the ring at 1:00 PM, but from early morning trainers, owners, professionals and spectators gather to inspect the horses and plan their day.
Get involved
Different ways to become an owner
On your own
The classic route is to own a horse on your own. As sole owner you have full control over the horse’s career and plan training, races and development together with your trainer. It is an intense experience, building a close bond with both the horse and the team around it — in return for carrying the full cost of training, stabling and racing.
With friends & family
A popular model is to share ownership with friends, family or colleagues. Several people share the costs — and the joys. It is not only about the sport, but just as much about the community: meeting on race days, sharing the experience and having something special together.
Many small ownership groups say they feel a stronger sense of togetherness than in other hobbies — precisely because the excitement and involvement around the horse run so high.
Syndicates
For those who want to be part of something bigger, there are syndicates. You buy a share in a horse, usually organised by an experienced manager or trainer. A syndicate can range from 5 to 50 people and offers a way to get right up close to the sport with far more manageable costs.
The advantage is that you still enjoy all the highlights — stable visits, race days and the community — but at a fraction of the cost. Syndicates have long been the way into the sport for new owners.
Life as an owner
It is about more than results on the track
Owning a racehorse is just as much about the experiences and the community that come with it. You become part of a world driven by passion, where every day can bring a new high.
On race days the atmosphere is something special. Standing in the paddock, following your horse to the start and feeling the rush as the field breaks from the stalls is an experience like no other. In the winner’s circle the moment is complete — the feeling of seeing your own horse succeed stays with you forever.
But life as an owner is about far more than the races themselves. Many describe it as a privilege to go behind the scenes, visit the stables and see the horse’s daily training. Racing also opens the door to an international network — a Danish horse can run in Sweden, Norway, Germany or further afield.
Racing from the inside
Carried by many people behind the scenes
Behind every racehorse stands a whole team working every day to turn potential into performance. The trainer shapes the horse’s daily life — from feeding and training programme to choice of races — and is the link between horse, owner and sport. Denmark’s trainers are approachable and open, and as an owner you can follow progress closely through dialogue, visits and updates.
The jockey is the sport’s frontline figure on race day. It takes courage, experience and precision to navigate a field at full speed, and many Danish jockeys have international experience. And the sport is carried by the stable staff who care for the horses every day, creating security and wellbeing. This is where you understand that racing is not just a sport — it is a way of life.
Denmark’s racecourses
Across the country’s four largest cities
Klampenborg Racecourse
The capital of the sport. The course opened in 1910, beautifully set among the woods of Dyrehaven. It hosts the biggest race days, including the Danish Derby and the Scandinavian Open Championship.
Jydsk Racecourse
The country’s second-largest course, known for its relaxed atmosphere and central location. It plays an important role in developing the sport west of the Great Belt.
Fyens Racecourse
A combined trotting and racing course, where flat racing keeps a place in the heart of Denmark.
Aalborg Racecourse
The northernmost arena, which over the years has hosted many memorable race days with strong local support.
Want to know more?
Take a step closer
You will find every horse in the Scandinavian Open Yearling Sale in the catalogue, where photos and video of most yearlings are added in the weeks before the auction. If you would like to speak with a breeder or visit a stud before the sale, you will find the contacts below.
Ready to take the first step?
See this year’s catalogue, follow the sale live, or contact us for a no-obligation chat about ownership and the options.