The British news portal ‘Horse and Hound’ reported that British dressage rider Carl Hester and Roly Luard, both owners of the top dressage horse Valegro, are trying to form a syndicate in order to buy 49% of the 10-year-old Negro gelding. The aim is to keep Valegro in British hands bearing in mind the outstanding performance of Valegro and Charlottte Dujardin during the Olympic Games, their number of victories as well as breaking of world records.
Carl Hester and Roly Luard intend to raise £2.5million by 31 January. In order to keep Valegro on home ground with the same rider and trainer, the duo is even willing to compromise on the price. Carl would be prepared to underwrite the day-to-day costs of keeping Valegro. The syndicate they are trying to build up is supposed to be small consisting of members who can invest larger sums.
In Carl’s opinion the members’ involvement of around £250,000 (€307.000) (£500,000 (€614.000) have already been committed by the first investors) would mean the involvement with a great partnership and success story.