This Friday, My Racing Syndicate, an up-and-coming name in the Dubai horse racing community, will make its virtual racing debut by sponsoring an exclusive Grade-3 Series at Photo Finish™ LIVE.
Known for revolutionizing racehorse ownership through an inclusive model, the syndicate will make another fitting first as it debuts My Racing Syndicate Stables, the collective’s Photo Finish™ virtual equivalent of their real-life endeavors.
The event marks a milestone for My Racing Syndicate and the Photo Finish™ LIVE community, as the two come together this week to further bridge the gap between traditional horse and digital racehorse ownership.
A New Kind of Ownership
Launched in 2022, My Racing Syndicate was born out of a desire to transform the traditionally exclusive world of horse ownership. Co-founders Abdul Ahad, Saad Khatri, and Suleiman Altaf—all lifelong horse racing enthusiasts—envisioned a platform to democratize racehorse ownership access.
By offering fractional ownership shares, the syndicate allows fans, individuals, and corporate entities to become stakeholders in high-quality racehorses.
“Racing fans have always had limited opportunities to participate in ownership. Our mission is to empower racing enthusiasts with an accessible and budget-friendly platform to embrace ownership and partake in the exhilarating world of horse racing,” said Saad Khatri, co-founder of My Racing Syndicate.
“We’re dedicated to forging the ultimate gateway for all to experience the thrill and prestige of the sport of kings, fostering a community united by passion and accessibility.”
Today, the syndicate operates across the UAE and the UK, boasting an impressive horse portfolio that competes at some of the world’s top racecourses, including Meydan and Ascot. Now, they’re taking the next step—venturing into the metaverse as sponsors and players – to tap into an even more accessible world of horse racing where digital horses can yield real-world dividends.
The timing couldn’t be better, as Photo Finish™ LIVE celebrates the launch of Community Management Tools — a revolutionary new feature that allows private horse lending, opening an additional avenue for e-sports-similar teams to take to the tracks together under one umbrella, just like My Racing Syndicate does in the real world.
Meet the Stable: Rabdaan and Moonshiner
But enough talk about the people behind the game. Let’s introduce the syndicate’s initial roster, which features two standout horses:
- Rabdaan (USA): A 3-year-old US-bred colt by Not This Time (USA) out of Zifena (GB), Rabdaan has an impressive bloodline that includes half-brother Sibelius, the winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen, and Liam’s Map, champion of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Rabdaan was a standout purchase at the 2023 Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale, fetching €49,383 and joining the team at the ERA Horses in Training Sale in April.
- Moonshiner: A 3-year-old colt with a proven track record, Moonshiner has already notched three consecutive victories in Uruguay. He will be relocating to the UAE for the Dubai Racing Carnival 2024/2025 season and will be trained by champion trainer Julio Olascoaga at Grandstand Stables, Meydan. Moonshiner’s recent form and Olascoaga’s expertise make him a promising addition to the lineup.
Real-World Vision for the Virtual Space
The Dubai racing scene is renowned for its grandeur, with high-profile owners, elite trainers, and world-class facilities. With a keen relationship with the tracks, participants, and communities, My Racing Syndicate is no stranger to a high-stakes horse racing environment, which helped them immediately notice how closely Photo Finish™ has mimicked this setting virtually.
Noting that players have won over $40 million in real-money rewards since introducing live racing in April 2023, the team sees a rapidly evolving platform with the potential to become the next big thing in the horse racing world.
“Virtual racing provides a fantastic opportunity to widen the sport’s appeal, especially for those who might not have had the chance to get involved otherwise. It’s an exciting way to engage a new generation of fans and enthusiasts,” Khatri explained.
“The concept of virtual horse racing and its strategic element has the potential to match the thrill of owning and racing a racehorse in real life.”
In Dubai, horse racing is not just a sport but a cultural and economic event that attracts global investment and attention. With a longstanding tradition of prestige and excellence, it’s the perfect launchpad for My Racing Syndicate’s foray.
“We’ve been involved in horse racing in Dubai since childhood, and our experience has allowed us to network with various individuals in the industry,” added Khatri. “Our syndicate includes members from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, making our venture into virtual racing a truly global effort.”
A Bright Future for Both Worlds
My Racing Syndicate believes the relationship with PFL will be long and fruitful. Their initial aim is to enhance its reach and community engagement, both on and off the track.
In addition to impacting the virtual space, the syndicate hopes to attract new members to its real-world operations.
For more information about My Racing Syndicate and how you can get involved, visit myracingsyndicate.com.
Follow the team on X and Instagram to stay up to date on their horse offerings, both IRL and virtual.
