In 2018, Monique MacLean was the lucky winner of the ‘Win a Share in a Racehorse’ promotion sponsored by the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) in conjunction with the London Selected Yearling Sale. MacLean was the grand prize winner of one share in the LandMark 12 Stable valued at $2,000.
MacLean’s winning ballot has led her to partial ownership in Ontario-sired yearlings including Bellini Seelster and Remember Titan. Bellini Seelster picked up her first lifetime win last Friday (August 16) at Grand River Raceway.
“The experience of owning (race) horses with LandMark has been great. It hasn’t been very long, but so far we have enjoyed following along with the training and qualifiers (of our horses). Now that they have started racing it is very exciting. We have got to a few of the races so far and look forward to more.”
Monique was first introduced to harness racing over 45 years ago, when she met her husband, Brent. “Every time Brent’s dad raced, we would go to the races - Owen Sound, Orangeville, London, Goderich,” recalls MacLean, “Brent’s dad would race, Brent would help with the training and I followed along.” Monique points out that since becoming involved with LandMark, her attendance at live racing events has increased, stating, “We try to get to all the races we can.”
Although she has been an avid race fan for over four decades, Monique and Brent never dipped their toes into the ownership ranks, but had many conversations about fractional ownership opportunities.
“Fractional ownership with LandMark is so appealing because I love the fact that I have more than one horse to follow - it’s like I have a stable of horses,” comments Monique.
While the horses were training down in Lansdowne, Monique and other LandMark shareholders were able to follow the development of their horses through LandMark co-founder, Howard Pearce. “Howard is great. He sends us emails all the time with updates on everything that is going on (with the horses),” comments MacLean, “there is a Facebook group that we can post in as well.”
One of her most memorable moments as a horse owner came this past July, when Remember Titan went behind the gate for his first pari-mutuel start. On July 7, Remember Titan and reinsman, James MacDonald cruised to a second-place finish in an OSS Grassroots stake race for two-year-old trotting colts at Georgian Downs.
“I have not seen all of the horses I have a share in race yet, but so far Remember Titan is my favourite. He is such a beautiful horse,” she says.
“I think for any person that likes the horse races, fractional ownership is a great way to enjoy and be a part of the process - it is an affordable way to have fun,” states MacLean. “I would definitely like to continue my involvement with LandMark in the future. I love the idea of fractional horse ownership.”
