Has Roman Abramovich tired of buying footballers? Or does he want to spend a few spare million on a new hobby – racehorses?
I popped down the road to Tattersalls in Newmarket yesterday to watch the yearlings sell for hundreds of thousands of guineas, just loose change 
for some who were there.
Tattersalls is the world’s oldest bloostock auctioneers dating back to 1766 and a fellow enthusiast sitting close by soon starting chatting away. Dave lives in Kent and attends these auctions just for the thrill of it, appreciating, like me, how unique and special the place is, and he seemed to know everyone in the room. I was naturally all ears.
He told me that Abramovich had two guys at the auction buying horses for him. Dave’s friend is a syndicate owner with Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino and they told him this.
Dave pointed out Ireland’s leading stud owner John Magnier who I saw spend a cool 500,000 guineas on one yearling, sired from champion racehorse Montjeu. It was just one of several he bought.
Rival racehorse owner Sheik Mohammed topped this week’s price by paying £1.2 million guineas for the half-brother of George Washington – hope he lives up to expectation.
I used to have a share in a racehorse, btw, nothing too flash, but it added another hugele pleasurable dimension to my life and I enjoyed showing him off at his Newmarket stable to friends who visited. However, I deliberately left my cheque book at home yesterday.
I shall enjoy watching Abramovich take on the world’s biggest racehorse owners, he will want to be top of this league too, gripping stuff.
If Abramovitch does start playing Horsey, check the prices next year.
I wish Abramovitch would buy West Bromwich Albion FC. They could do with somew star players!
Jean-Luc, So does Cambridge United, it’s sinking lower and lower and lower…
I have often wondered what will become of Chelsea FC when Mr Abramovich finally bores of financing this club. It wouldn’t, for example, be hugely satisfying for him were Man Utd to lift the Premiership title this season, which appears entirely possible, after all the zillions he has “invested”.
Speaking personally, as someone who supports a mid-table Championship side, I prefer to believe my team will prosper by long term endeavour and skillful management rather than by simply throwing money at the transfer market.
I wish Mr Abramovich every success with his new venture. No one would suggest it is easy to make money from owning race horses, but at least he can afford to buy the very best and there is always the prospect of breeding if one’s bloodstock proves its worth on the track. The same can certainly not be said of footballers!
Peter, that’s where the real skill is, having a talented to develop which can go on and improve by skilful management and determination.
It’s the same with racehorses, these millionaire owners only want the best and will pay whatever it takes, they are so fiercely competitive. It’s interesting to watch the different camps bid against each other, though I understand they now prefer to buy yearlings that they know have been sired from one of their own winning horses.
[…] What is Abramovich spending his millions on next? […]