Australians can now get behind a professionally trained racehorse, receive updates directly from its trainer, go behind the scenes at the stable and experience the highs and lows of its racing career for $150 upfront and just $1 a day, under a new racehorse membership model launched by Gold Coast entrepreneur Briana Cicchelli-Nelson that removes the hefty price tag and financial responsibility of traditional ownership.
"There are plenty of Australians who would love to have a racehorse to follow but assume you need tens of thousands of dollars or years of racing knowledge to get involved," said TruShare founder and CEO Briana Cicchelli-Nelson.
"We built TruShare for them. You can get the trainer updates, follow your horse from the stable to race day and experience the excitement of the journey, without actually owning the horse or paying its bills."
And some members are already walking away with more than just the racing experience.
Ballarat member Ian M. recently won $4,032, while Central Queensland member Brett N. collected $1,250 through TruShare's fortnightly reward draws, with more than $5,000 in potential cash rewards available in this Friday's draws.
Every eligible member has an equal chance in the fortnightly draws, regardless of membership level, with cash and prizes available, including one member receiving an amount equivalent to up to 70% the official prize money every time their horse races.
"The prizes are exciting, of course, but that's not why we built TruShare," Cicchelli-Nelson said.
"The real value is having a horse to get behind. It's receiving that update from the trainer, seeing what's happening at the stable and then watching your horse walk onto the track and genuinely caring about what happens next."
Unlike traditional racehorse ownership, TruShare members hold no ownership interest in their horse and have no financial responsibility for training, veterinary care or racing costs. TruShare currently features Diacon, trained by Bjorn Baker, and Zendarina, trained by Phillip Stokes, with more horses expected to join the platform in coming months.
"You might love horses but have never had an opportunity to get involved, or you might go to the races with your mates once a year and think it would be incredible to actually have a horse you're following," Cicchelli-Nelson said.
"That's who TruShare is for. We want someone completely new to racing to feel just as welcome as someone who has followed the sport their entire life."
Horse welfare is also built into the model, with 12 cents from every membership dollar allocated to TruFund, TruShare's dedicated initiative supporting thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers. This directly reflects TruShare's stated commitment to making welfare part of the business model rather than simply a campaign.
"Racing creates incredible stories and emotional connections. We simply want more Australians to feel like they can be part of them," Cicchelli-Nelson said.
TruShare memberships cost $150 to join, followed by $1 a day.
