Racing Syndicate

Join the Thrill of Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing

Now entering its second successful year, the syndicates operated by Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing (UTR) offer a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of horseracing at an accessible level. Led by renowned trainer James Ferguson (Fgh 03) and supported by his dedicated team, the syndicate combines competitive racing with opportunities to meet fellow members at race days, yard visits, and at an annual dinner with leading figures from the racing world.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about the sport, this is your chance to share in the camaraderie and the thrill of the turf – all in OU colours.

FOLLOW US @uppingham.racing

KEY BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS 🏇🏻

By joining Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing 11 (UTR 11), members can enjoy afternoons and evenings at the races in a close-knit, passionate group, an experience that feels like sole ownership.
Enjoy the exclusivity of the owner experiences on race days and connect with fellow owners.
Enjoy the thrill of watching your horse race.
Receive a share of the prize money won and a share of the sales proceeds of the colt when the syndicate closes.

Visit Machell Place Stables – the headquarters of James Ferguson Racing and home to our Uppingham horses.
Enjoy watching morning exercise on the famous Newmarket gallops and see training in action.
Learn about racing and how to look after these supreme equine athletes known as thoroughbred horses.
Receive invitations to horse racing events and social occasions.

~ Join the Syndicate ~

Five shares remain available for purchase

If you would like to join the Syndicate, please use the drop down menu below. It contains everything you need to know, including the Application Form and the Terms and Conditions of Syndicate Membership. If you require any additional information, please contact Simon Greenly.

All You Need to Know

MEMBERSHIP EXPLAINED
The syndicate has 25 shares and is active. Membership fees cover the initial purchase cost and all annual expenses. These include training, maintenance and running costs. This is a fixed price agreement and we will not ask you to contribute more money to the syndicate. If the syndicate is oversubscribed, a waiting list will be maintained for future opportunities. Membership runs from the date of share purchase through to the end of the turf flat racing season, which concludes in early November. Accounts are finalised and closed on 30 November each year. If the horse is owned and shows promise, it may remain in training for its three or four-year-old season. The syndicate team manages all racing administration, ensuring smooth operations. Members receive regular updates and videos on training progress, race entries, and jockey bookings, along with important, detailed post-race feedback to keep everyone informed and engaged.

MEMBERSHIP EXPLAINED

The syndicate has 25 shares and is active. Membership fees cover the initial purchase cost and all annual expenses. These include training, maintenance and running costs. This is a fixed price agreement and we will not ask you to contribute more money to the syndicate.
If the syndicate is oversubscribed, a waiting list will be maintained for future opportunities.
Membership runs from the date of share purchase through to the end of the turf flat racing season, which concludes in early November. Accounts are finalised and closed on 30 November each year.
If the horse is owned and shows promise, it may remain in training for its three or four-year-old season.
The syndicate team manages all racing administration, ensuring smooth operations.
Members receive regular updates and videos on training progress, race entries, and jockey bookings, along with important, detailed post-race feedback to keep everyone informed and engaged.

COSTS
Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing 11 (3 year old colt Sparksmith) Syndicate year 2025-2026, concludes November 2026 Year 1: £2,500 capital costs per single share, with £245 per month training, maintenance and running costs. Please note that attendance at social events may incur additional costs, to be notified at the time of the event

APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process to join the syndicate is straight forward: First complete the online application form and submit it to Simon Greenly. To proceed, transfer the membership(s) fee Complete monthly standing order mandate to the syndicate account held at Weatherbys Bank Start engaging with the team, the horses and the experience Before joining a syndicate, please ensure that you read and understand the Terms and Conditions involved in becoming an Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing syndicate member (available in the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page). By becoming a member of an UTR syndicate, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process to join the syndicate is straight forward:

First complete the online application form and submit it to Simon Greenly.
To proceed, transfer the membership(s) fee
Complete monthly standing order mandate to the syndicate account held at Weatherbys Bank
Start engaging with the team, the horses and the experience

Before joining a syndicate, please ensure that you read and understand the Terms and Conditions involved in becoming an Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing syndicate member (available in the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page). By becoming a member of an UTR syndicate, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them.

APPLICATION FORM

Contact Details
If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining, contact: James Ferguson / +44 (0) 7826 889571 Simon Greenly / +44 (0) 7831 546700

Contact Details

If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining, contact:

James Ferguson / +44 (0) 7826 889571
Simon Greenly / +44 (0) 7831 546700

Full Terms and Conditions of Membership

We trust the Terms and Conditions below provide valuable information with regards to membership of Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing syndicates. By becoming a member of an UTR syndicate, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them.

View PDF

A fun and exciting way to engage in the world of horse racing

Application Form

To join the syndicate, please complete the application form and submit it to Simon Greenly. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact simon via email or on +44 (0) 7831 546700.

APPLICATION FORM

The Syndicate Team

The Uppingham Thoroughbred Racing Club is run by the following contacts:

James Ferguson (Fgh 03), Trainer
A one-time amateur jockey, he gained his training licence in 2019, having learnt his trade with racing greats Sir Mark Prescott, Charlie Appleby and Jessica Harrington. Based in Newmarket, he has had success at Group level and has a growing list of both important owners and horses. As Trainer, he will lead his team who look after all aspects of keeping horses in training. He will partner with our favoured Bloodstock agents and advisors to source the syndicate horses.

James Ferguson (Fgh 03), Trainer

A one-time amateur jockey, he gained his training licence in 2019, having learnt his trade with racing greats Sir Mark Prescott, Charlie Appleby and Jessica Harrington.

Based in Newmarket, he has had success at Group level and has a growing list of both important owners and horses.

As Trainer, he will lead his team who look after all aspects of keeping horses in training. He will partner with our favoured Bloodstock agents and advisors to source the syndicate horses.

Simon Greenly (F58), Finance, Admin and Governance
Simon brings over 40 years of business experience as a corporate trouble shooter. Since 2004, he has worked with aspiring medium-sized enterprises, providing both capital and strategic expertise through his team. His passion for horse racing began in childhood, attending point-to-point meetings in Northumberland, and today he remains actively involved in both Flat and National Hunt racing. Simon is also a trusted adviser to the OU School for Life programme, providing mentoring and guidance to those seeking support.

Simon Greenly (F58), Finance, Admin and Governance

Simon brings over 40 years of business experience as a corporate trouble shooter. Since 2004, he has worked with aspiring medium-sized enterprises, providing both capital and strategic expertise through his team. His passion for horse racing began in childhood, attending point-to-point meetings in Northumberland, and today he remains actively involved in both Flat and National Hunt racing.

Simon is also a trusted adviser to the OU School for Life programme, providing mentoring and guidance to those seeking support.

Contact Details
If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining, contact: James Ferguson / +44 (0) 7826 889571 Simon Greenly / +44 (0) 7831 546700

Contact Details

If you would like to find out more about the syndicate before joining, contact:

James Ferguson / +44 (0) 7826 889571
Simon Greenly / +44 (0) 7831 546700

News and Updates

4th March 2026
Sparksmith Shows Impressive Form

Syndicate racehorse Sparksmith is proving himself a model of consistency as he continues to build an enviable early record on the track. With finishes of 3rd, 2nd (by a short head), 1st, and 2nd (by a nose), the talented runner has demonstrated both reliability and competitive edge in every outing. His strong performances have already earned around £9,000 in prize money, and his trajectory now takes an exciting step forward with an entry into a championship race offering a significant prize pot. Trainer James Ferguson is optimistic as Sparksmith moves into this next phase—not least because the turf season is still ahead, and the horse has shown a notable liking for running on grass. With form, confidence and conditions in his favour, he is shaping up as a contender to watch closely in the months ahead.

3rd February 2026
A win for Sparksmith and the Uppingham Syndicate

Congratulations to trainer James Ferguson (Fgh 03) and his team on Sparksmith’s strong win at Wolverhampton Racecourse. A brilliant result!

11th December 2025
Sparksmith’s First Run at Lingfield Park

We are delighted to announce that Sparksmith will make his debut at Lingfield Park over 6 furlongs. The race is scheduled for 12:12 PM, with Johnny Peate taking the ride. His first outing was delayed due to a bruised foot, but now we can finally see what he’s made of. This run should help him mature as a racehorse. Fingers crossed for a strong performance!

26th November 2025
First End-of-Season Dinner in London

Our inaugural end-of-season dinner took place at The RAG (Army and Navy Club) in St James’s Square, offering members an evening of insight and celebration. The event featured two distinguished guest speakers: Emma Lavelle, a leading National Hunt trainer, and Mary Frances, CEO of the Moorcroft Horse Rehabilitation Centre. Both delivered engaging interviews conducted by Colin Cameron, the well-known racing connection and regular host at the RAG and RAC clubs.

30th October 2025
Uppingham Special Syndicate I Horse 'Advancing' Sold

The first syndicate, Uppingham Special, got off to a promising start when the gelding, Advancing (a leased horse) won his debut race at Kempton in style. While his subsequent performances didn’t quite match the excitement of that maiden victory, he still earned just over £6,000 (net) in prize money, which will be distributed pro rata among syndicate members in January 2026.

After two disappointing runs, finishing 7th of 9 at Sandown (17 September) and 6th of 12 at Newcastle (4 October), the owner decided to sell Advancing at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale at the end of October.

28th May 2025 – Second horse purchased and Uppingham Flyer established
The syndicate team confirmed the purchase of a horse, subsequently named Sparksmith, for the second Uppingham Syndicate. He's a bay colt, by French sire Hello Youmzain ex Gemcutter, purchased in France at the Arqana sale and trained in Newmarket by James Ferguson.

10th May 2025 – Day at Ascot
An exciting day of racing entertainment took place at Ascot racecourse on the 10th May 2025.

23rd April 2025 – First syndicate full, second syndicate launched
We are pleased to announce that the Uppingham Special Syndicate is now fully subscribed and we have launched Uppingham Flyer as syndicate No 2.

12th February 2025 – First win
We are delighted to share that ADVANCING (Lope De Vega) won on debut at Kempton Park, all weather, on 12th February – becoming a first winner for the UPPINGHAM SPECIAL Syndicate. An encouraging debut performance that shows promise going forward, despite being green. Congratulations to owners and all involved in the syndicate!