Micro-Investing Platform Lets Fans Own Shares of Real Racehorses
MyRacehorse enables fans to purchase fractional stakes in active thoroughbreds for roughly $463 per share, though the founder warns the investment is extremely volatile.
Walking into Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May captures the thrill of horse racing, and MyRacehorse now lets everyday fans share in that excitement by buying equity in actual racehorses. Building on a model popular in Japan, the digital platform offers fractional shares—averaging about $463—through regulated securities offerings. Six horses are currently available, ranging from newborn yearlings to two-year-old colts and fillies, and are trained by Hall of Fame figures such as Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher.
Founder Michael Behrens cautions that the asset class is high-beta, with most horses losing money and only a few delivering massive gains. The service emphasizes emotional returns, providing owners with push notifications, race alerts, videos, and exclusive events. Past micro-share owners have celebrated marquee victories, including the 2020 Kentucky Derby, the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Classic, the 2024 Preakness Stakes, and the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Over 100,000 fans now belong to the MyRacehorse community, united by their love of the sport rather than financial profit.
Why it matters
It shows how digital platforms are opening high-risk sports assets to everyday investors, reshaping fan engagement and financial exposure.
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