Racing Colours Explained: How Owners' Silks Work
The Short Answer
Racing colours (the jockey's silks) are registered with the BHA through Weatherbys. A standard set is built from 18 colours and 25 patterns, must differ from every other registered set, and is renewed each year or for 5, 10 or 20 years at a time. A bespoke design costs £5,000 plus VAT. Syndicate members don't need their own: a syndicate or club can register colours to itself or share a member's.
From the BHA's racing colours page and owners' toolkit, read 10 Nov 2026.
Free PDF Guide + Weekly Email
Your First Racehorse Share
Get our free 14-page getting started guide to racehorse syndicates and racing clubs, plus The Syndicate Sheet every Thursday: new shares, price changes and the week's syndicate winners.Free 14-page guide plus The Syndicate Sheet every Thursday.
Free. We'll ask you to confirm your email, then your guide is on its way. See what's inside
Do I Need My Own Colours?
Only if a horse runs in your own name or a company's. The BHA says registering your own colours isn't mandatory otherwise, and that in partnerships, syndicates and racing clubs, colours can be shared or registered to the entity itself (BHA owners' toolkit). So as a syndicate member, your horse will run in the syndicate's colours, and seeing them on the track is part of the fun. Many syndicates' colours are on their websites, so you can look out for them on race day.
How A Standard Set Works
- Choose from the palette. 18 colours, from beige and black through emerald green and royal blue to yellow, and 25 body patterns such as hoops, stripes, chevrons, stars, spots and diamonds, plus set designs for the sleeves and cap.
- It must be different. A new set needs at least one distinguishing feature from every registered set. The BHA's guidance for bespoke designs says a different cap alone isn't enough: the body or sleeves must differ.
- Check before you buy silks. Weatherbys advises owners and trainers not to have colours made up until the registration is confirmed. Colours can be reserved free for 21 days while you decide.
- Keep them renewed. If you don't renew, you can't race in them, and they can become available to someone else (BHA).
What It Costs
The ROA's 2026 fee list puts registering a standard set at £73.17 for a single year where the registrant has had a horse in training in the last 18 months, or £90.92 where they haven't, with 5, 10 and 20-year options (for example £356.50 for five years). ROA members get 20% off. Transferring or selling colours to someone outside the family is listed at £181.50 (ROA costs of ownership, read 10 Nov 2026). Check the BHA's current schedule for the exact amount, including VAT, before you register. Bespoke colours, designed from scratch and judged by the BHA and Weatherbys, cost £5,000 plus VAT for the right to register them (BHA).
Tips For A Good Set
- Keep it simple and bold: the BHA's guidance says colours must be easy for judges and commentators to tell apart and describe.
- Put patterns on the body and sleeves, not just low down, where they disappear when the jockey tucks in the silks.
Colours In Ireland
In Ireland, colours are registered with Horse Racing Ireland, and HRI lists a €50 annual colours charge in its fee breakdown for a new syndicate (HRI, read 30 to 31 Oct 2026). More in racehorse ownership in Ireland.
Colours In Our Directory
1 active listings mention colours or silks in their published terms (My Racing Manager). For everyone else, ask the syndicate for a picture of its colours before your first race day. Starting your own group? Read starting a partnership with friends.
Not Advice
This guide is general information from published rules, prices and official race results, not financial, tax or legal advice. We don't tip horses or recommend a deal. Racehorse ownership is a hobby, not an investment. Fees and rules are as published on the date read; check the BHA's current fee schedule.
Sources
- BHA: racing colours and owners' toolkit (read 10 Nov 2026)
- BHA bespoke colours guidelines
- Weatherbys colours registration form (palette, patterns and 21-day reservation)
- ROA: costs of ownership (2026 fee list) (read 10 Nov 2026)
- Horse Racing Ireland: syndicates (read 30 to 31 Oct 2026)
Questions People Ask
Do Syndicate Members Need Their Own Racing Colours?
No. The BHA says colours only have to be registered if a horse runs in your own or a company's name. A syndicate or club can register colours to itself or share a member's colours.
How Much Does It Cost To Register Racing Colours?
The ROA's 2026 fee list shows £73.17 for one year for an owner who has had a horse in training in the last 18 months, with 5, 10 and 20-year options; check the BHA's schedule for the current figure including VAT. Bespoke silks cost £5,000 plus VAT.
General information from published prices and terms, not financial advice. Racehorse ownership is a hobby, not an investment. Always read the syndicate agreement before paying anything. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.