i want to become a owner

Question
how do i get a claim license  i love horse race i live in florida and would love to claim a horse

Answer

Hi Celestino:

Thanks for your question.  The rules for the claiming of a race horse differ from State to State and you need to start with Florida's Racing Commission.  I have researched the subject and the following is some good advice:

Thoroughbred Ownership
As a racing fan have you ever wondered what it's like to be the owner of a winning Thoroughbred? Ever thought about how much fun it would be to be among the excited gathering of friends and well-wishers that ring the winner's circle after each victory? There are a number of ways to become involved as an owner, and they include everything from buying a horse by yourself to owning a small percentage of a horse with a group of friends.

Here are some possibilities:
Initial Investment     Possible Involvement
$1,000 - $5,000        Two, three or more partners in an inexpensive horse

$10,000+               Sole owner of an inexpensive horse; general partner in a small            partnership; limited partner in a large partnership or syndicate

$100,000+              Sole owner of one or more horses; sole owner and participate in     partnerships; participate in partnerships only

As you can see, the game of Thoroughbred ownership can be played at many different levels and the fun and excitement are there at any level of participation.

The unique sights, sounds and camaraderie of the backstretch in the morning, the beauty of and bond with the horse, the anticipation of race day, the anxiousness in the paddock before the race and the rush you get from seeing your horse, in your silks, come onto the track, is available to all owners.

The information that follows is designed to educate you, the owner. Information is power. We believe the more information we provide and more informed you are, the more fun you will get out of this game.

Claiming
Claiming races constitute the majority of Thoroughbred races. Each horse entered in such a race is subject to sale, or claim, at the value stated in the conditions of the race. However, all purse money earned is the property of the person in whose name the horse started.

The primary advantage to claiming is that it offers immediate racing action. Likened to purchasing a used car, the buyer may be obtaining a horse which, with a change in training routine, may develop and excel or may turn out to be nothing more than a lemon. Unlike purchasing a horse at public auction or privately, the buyer is not entitled to perform a veterinary examination prior to the purchase.

If you elect to pursue this option, you should employ a trainer who excels in this aspect of the business. With your trainer, devise a strategy for selecting potential claims.

Consider the following points prior to claiming a horse:

1. Review the jurisdiction's claiming rules.
Claiming rules differ from state to state. It is important to note: (a# The point at which the horse becomes the property of the new owner - when it steps onto the track before the race, when it leaves the starting gate or at another point; and #b) the conditions under which the horse must make its next start.

2. Complete the paperwork.
Obtain the proper owner's license. To be eligible to claim, you must possess the proper owner's license from the state in which you intend to claim. Licensing is controlled by the particular state's racing commission or board. If you are not licensed in that state, you are required to complete the application process, receiving either a permanent or temporary license.

Most states now have rules authorizing open claiming, thus permitting licensed owners who do not currently have horses stabled at the particular racetrack where the horse is running to claim a horse.

旹stablish an account with the racetrack's paymaster or horsemen's bookkeeper. Prior to the claim being made, an owner's account must have sufficient funds to cover the transaction: the claiming price plus state sales tax. Sales laws and bookkeeper's procedures differ from state to state and from track to track. If you intend to have your trainer make a claim on your behalf, there must be an authorized agent form on file. Contact the Horsemen's Bookkeeper and/or Claims Clerk for more precise information on these matters.
旵omplete the claims slip. Claims must be made on the day of the race and filed prior to the start of the race in accordance with the rules of the specific jurisdiction. Claiming forms are available in the racing office. The information on the claim form must be absolutely correct; a misspelling can invalidate a claim. A person is not permitted to enter a claim for more than one horse in a race. If more than one person wishes to claim the same horse, a random selection system is used to decide the new owner. The system is commonly referred to as a shake.

3. Take possession of the horse.
Title and risk pass to the new owner immediately upon selection as the successful claim. As the new owner, you will be expected to take possession of the horse at the conclusion of the race or after completion of any post-race tests.

This is a lot of information to absorb and I hope I have answered your question to your satisfaction.  If so, please leave me a rating on the web site.

Again, thanks for your question.

Jim