Virtual Racehorse Ownership
How one Stable has moved onto the Internet
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The trainer Conrad Allen started in racing as a teenager and has worked his way through the ranks from an apprentice jockey. After riding just a handful of winners he retired from the saddle at only 25 years old as he had set his sights on training. Having gained his experience from such masters as Harry Wragg and Tim Molony, he then spent some years with Mick Ryan prior to branching out on his own. During these formative years he had the privilege to ride such good horses as Royal Heroine, Dancing Rocks and Katies amongst others. Thinking ahead he had already purchased his stables in 1983 just outside Newmarket and was already running a successful breaking yard combined with flying horses all over the world for major owners. Sir Mark Prescott and Mick Ryan both recommended him as suitable for a licence and were among the first to congratulate him when he won a race with Edgewise at Wolverhampton with only his 5th runner.
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Since he was first granted a trainers licence in 1987 Conrad has trained many winners and has won races on all the major tracks in the country. He also has the unique distinction to have trained the first ever winner on an artificial surface in the UK and he continues to enjoy success on this surface as well as on the turf. Conrad built Shadowfax in 1988 and since moving there he has specialised in training for multiple ownership groups. He successfully runs partnerships and syndicates and has a dedicated team of staff that put the owners first. Conrad has now launched shadowfaxracing.com as an Internet racing club. He feels that his vast experience in catering for multiple owners will ensure that this latest venture - bringing Virtual Ownership to the Internet - will be the biggest yet. Conrad is extremely ambitious and will be dedicating his time and energy towards ensuring its success.
The name Shadowfax came from Lord of the Rings: - 'Shadowfax Meara, the greatest horse of Rohan at the time of the WR. In 3018 King Theoden gave Gandalf any horse of his choosing, and the Wizard chose Shadowfax. The horse bore him faithfully without bridle or saddle throughout the WR. Shadowfax was extremely strong and swift; he could outrun the steeds of Nazgul. Shadowfax got his name because his coat was silver grey.'
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Hospitality event with jockey Martin Dwyer
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Sportsdays Ltd was formed in March 1999 by Conrad and Jockey's Agent Gareth Owen to provide raceday hospitality to suit both corporate and individual requirements. Conrad is also one of the only racehorse trainers in the country who commercially opens his doors to the public, thus providing a fascinating look behind the scene at a racing yard. The package also includes a day at the races for companies and individuals alike. This concept originated with his support for racing charities and Conrad continues to hold open days for good causes.
In fact, at Shadowfax they have become specialists in catering for large parties and on race days it is not unusual for Conrad's wife Bobbie to be cooking for 200 people or more! Lunches are held in a marquee in the paddocks next to the stables and are always attended by Sportsdays representative, ex-trainer Eric Eldin, who entertains the guests with his background knowledge of racing. Not only was Eric a trainer, but before that he rode over 1,000 winners as a jockey. Guest speakers such as Bob Champion and Channel 4's Derek Thompson are also invited to add interest to each occasion.
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A Visit to the Yard
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Sportsdays have an impressive clientele, which includes such companies as Carlsberg, BUPA and Anglian Home Improvements, but they are just as happy to cater for individuals, or even to arrange days at other sporting events such as football, tennis or rugby. When going racing, Sportsdays' guests receive a complimentary badge and race card and have their own marquee on the racecourse where they can meet and enjoy refreshments or talk to one of Sportsdays' representatives. Conrad believes that he has established the only virtual ownership 'racing club' in the UK to date - Shadowfax Racing. This offers individuals from all over the world the opportunity to become a 'virtual race horse owner'.
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