Social media-savvy racing fans can now enjoy some of the thrills of being an owner — without the bills — through Twitter.
In a new scheme launched by Racing for Change, the two-year-old filly Tweet Lady, trained by Rod Millman in Devon, will be the first racehorse to involve huge numbers of virtual owners.
Through Twitter she’ll tweet regular updates on her life at the yard and training regime — with a little help from James Millman, Rod’s son and Tweet Lady’s jockey.
Through prize draws the filly’s virtual owners will have a chance to win owners’ badges when she races, by registering on the website.
The stable will also arrange open days for Tweet Lady’s followers.
“We’re a small family business and we’ve moved with the times,” said James.
“My dad is very much the gaffer, but has put me in charge of promoting the yard and Twitter is proving to be really effective in telling our story. We will have lots of fun through this initiative.”
Rod Street from Racing for Change said: “Not everyone has the means to be able to own a racehorse, which is why we’ve created the People’s Horse. This is the closest you will get to owning a horse without a penny of outlay.”
Tweet Lady, by Royal Applause, made her racing debut at Kempton on 15 June in a 7f maiden. She finished 5th.
Rod Millman was happy with the run for first time out and expects an improvement.
Any winnings will go to charity. She already has more than 750 followers.
For more information and to register as an owner for a chance to see Tweet Lady run, visit: www.thepeopleshorse.co.uk and follow her on Twitter @peopleshorse.
This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (16 June, 2011)
