Two years ago Bonbeach Sports Club member Steve ‘Cocky’ Cochrane developed a plan to buy shares in race horses and race them under the Bonbeach Coterie banner.

In March this year, one of the Bonbeach Racing Club steeds – Oceanex – is in line to contest the $500,000 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes in Sydney, with its main aim being the $1 million Australasian Oaks a fortnight later.

Stave, who loves horse racing and has been a keen owner and race-goer over many years, said the idea was originally met with luke-warm enthusiasm by administrators who viewed it as time consuming and somewhat risky given the ups, downs and costs associated with racing.

“I spoke to several people about the concept and actually pitched the idea to several clubs in the area but didn’t get a lot of interest until I put it to Peter Ades and Gerard Turville from the Sports Club. Once I got the okay and asked for support from members, it grew pretty quickly,” he said.

Since its inception, The Bonbeach Racing Club has grown to include over 50 financial members across four syndicates. Members range from experienced horse racing followers to first-time owners, but all are involved with Bonbeach Football Netball Club (BFNC) in some way.

BFNC president Matt Lowe, himself new to the racing game, said the venture was an exciting and fun opportunity for members to maintain engagement with the club across the whole year.

“It’s a great initiative and works to further bring our club together. Of course we are very fortunate that we look like we have a talented one, but just getting a big group that includes family members and friends all involved is what Bonbeach is about,” he said.

“Steve is running the club professionally and openly so all members know what is happening and where their money is going. It’s exciting and great fun.”

In a short time members have already experienced both sides of the racing game. While Oceanex is flying and has won twice in city grade races, stablemate Rerevaki now needs surgery to keep racing and members have had to decide whether to pursue this or not.

“Those who have been involved in racing know that you don’t go in to horses expecting anything, so we have been very lucky so far. Just to get to the races is a win but having one that can run a bit is a real bonus,” said Steve.

While success and increased interest has already spurned a fourth syndicate, Steve said that he intends to limit further growth for now, with members to be consulted in relation to any future expansion.