The late Henry Ponsonby was the pioneer of racehorse syndicate ownership over 45 years ago and founder of Shefford Bloodstock Services, known in more recent years as HP Racing.
Henry with his beloved Labrador, Miller
Ahead of the field in many respects, Henry was a unique irrepressible character, whose enthusiasm for racing and belief that life should be lived to the full made his syndicate ownership a fun and enjoyable experience, run in a professional and fair way. Henry very sadly died in September 2022 and is a huge loss to racing, but he would be very proud that his legacy lives on and his iconic racing silks continue to be seen in the Winner’ Enclosure.
HP Racing syndicates have tasted success at most of the top festivals such as Cheltenham, Aintree, York, Goodwood and in recent years an exciting double at Royal Ascot, with Scarlet Dragon and Who Dares Wins, which helped catapult the careers of current top jockeys Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand.
HP Racing is now in the safe hands of Liz Rutter, who worked alongside Henry managing the syndicates for 26 years. She is assisted by her husband Chris Rutter, former Flat jockey and in recent years a senior BHA Chief Steward. Together they have years of invaluable knowledge and experience from various viewpoints and considerable contacts within the industry.
Former Flat trainer, Harry Dunlop, is very much a key member of the team and a great asset with his formidable racing background and experience. Harry assists with the running of the syndicates and also works closely with leading bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley, of Highflyer Bloodstock, in sourcing potential new stars to run under the HP Racing banner.
Current trainers:
Eve Johnson Houghton (principal Flat trainer)
Alan King
Nicky Henderson
Tim Easterby
Dan Skelton
“For years there has been wonderment at the high level of success that Henry Ponsonby and his team, a pioneer of owners’ syndicates, has managed to maintain.”
Corneilius Lysaght, The Times
“HP Racing is successful because they make racing fun for people whilst maintaining correct business principles, with a longstanding association with leading trainers. The ability to buy value for money horses is proven with the record of success over many years. The late great Henry Ponsonby’s legacy lives on,bringing satisfaction to a lot of people.”
Ian Carnaby, The Sports Adviser
“Thank you once again for a fabulous day. We keep thinking it can’t get better but it does. Our horse ran so well and it was so exciting. We had an exceptional day as it was our first visit to Royal Ascot.”
