Big John's £60 Horse Shares Are Looking Like the Worst Investment Since My Crypto Portfolio

By Lewis Barnett 21 July, 2025 5 mins read 274 Views

God, where do I even start with this mess?

So there's this TikTok guy called Big John - you know, the one who demolishes massive Chinese takeaways and yells "Bosh!" at everything. Well, turns out he's co-owner of a racehorse that's making my 2022 stock picks look genius by comparison. I'm talking about Bosh Soldier, a two-year-old filly that's currently performing about as well as a three-legged giraffe in the Kentucky Derby.

Here's the kicker: you can buy a 0.05% share in this horse for £60. That's sixty actual pounds for a piece of an animal that's beaten exactly one horse in three races. One. My mate Dave texted me yesterday: "Even I could outrun this thing after a night at the pub."

Listen Now

The Numbers Don't Lie (Unfortunately)

Let me paint you a picture of just how spectacularly this investment has gone. Bosh Soldier has lost by a combined 97 lengths across three races. That's not a typo - ninety-seven lengths. At her most recent outing at Newmarket, she went off at 150-1 odds and finished so far behind the winner that they probably needed binoculars to confirm she was still on the same track.

The poor thing finished dead last twice, then managed to beat one horse in her third race. Progress!

One punter on X absolutely nailed it: "This filly has been running like Big John has been riding her himself." Brutal but fair.

When Marketing Meets Reality

The promotional videos are something else entirely. Picture Big John squeezed into racing silks that clearly weren't made for someone of his... generous proportions, complete with jockey cap and goggles, declaring "I'm Big John and I'm here to see the Bosh Soldier!" The enthusiasm is admirable. The results? Less so.

Racing Club VIP, who run this syndicate, keep insisting these runs are all about "gaining experience." At what point does gaining experience become expensive therapy for disappointed shareholders?

There's Still Hope (Maybe)

Look, I don't want to be completely negative here.

Trainer George Boughey isn't some random bloke who found a horse manual on eBay - he won the 1,000 Guineas with Cachet back in 2022. And he keeps saying Bosh Soldier shows ability at home, just not when it matters. Which is like saying I'm brilliant at karaoke, just not when anyone's listening.

Now that she qualifies for handicaps, things might change. Boughey knows how to place horses to win, adn there are some decent entries coming up. The Somerville Auction Stakes at Newmarket in August is worth over £50k, and October's Tattersalls October Auction Stakes could net £80k.

The Bigger Picture

Syndicates can work brilliantly - just look at Middleham Park Racing's Lazy Griff finishing second in both the Derby and Irish Derby this year, earning over £500k. Even social media star Basher Watts won the French 1,000 Guineas (before getting disqualified, but still).

So maybe there's light at teh end of this tunnel. Maybe Bosh Soldier will suddenly discover she's actually fast. Maybe those £60 shares will turn into something worthwhile.

Or maybe we'll all learn an expensive lesson about celebrity endorsements in horse racing. Either way, it's certainly been entertaining.

At least if she wins one of those big races, it'll pay for a lot of Big John's Chinese takeaways. Silver lining, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the bloodline of a horse mean in racing terms?

It is important to know the bloodline of your racehorse, as it will reveal its traits, such as speed, stamina or temperament. All these are crucial factors for racing success. Breeders often refer to a horse's pedigree when predicting its potential and suitably match stallions with mares to produce offspring with desirable characteristics for racing.

What are the major horse racing events?

Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing includes the Kentucky Derby Stakes (Preakness Stakes), and Belmont Stakes. Dubai World Cup and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe are among the most prestigious races in the world. Royal Ascot is held in the United Kingdom. These prestigious races attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world.

What is the Triple Crown of horse racing?

Triple Crown is a prestigious award given to a three year old thoroughbred who has won three races of varying importance in the same calendar year. In the United States, these are the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Triple Crown wins are rare and notable, and they signify a horse's incredible endurance and ability.

How do horse racing betting odds work?

The odds of winning a horse race bet reflect the probability that a specific outcome will occur. These odds can be presented in decimals or fractions to show the possible profit of a winning bet. Odds are affected by the amount bet per horse, and they can change until the race. A seasoned betting will pay attention to these changes so that they can make informed wagers.

How do you measure a horses fitness for a race?

Fitness of a racing horse is assessed by a combination veterinarian checks, trainers observations, and the performance in workouts. Trainers watch for changes in the horse's behavior during training while vets are looking out for signs that it is injured or sick. The behavior of the horse in the days leading up to the race is also a good indicator of its readiness to compete.

Statistics

Australia hosts more than 19,000 horse races annually, making it home to one of the busiest racing calendars globally.
The Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.
The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.
As of the latest reports, the horse racing industry contributes approximately $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.

External Links

How To

How to Pick and Wear the Appropriate Kentucky Derby Attire

For the Kentucky Derby, you should wear clothing that is elegant and weather-appropriate. For men, a sharp blazer or suit with coordinated trousers and a fedora/bowler hat is ideal. Women typically wear spring dresses paired with heeled shoes and a striking hat or fascinator. Choose vibrant colors and patterns for the Derby. Regardless of fashion choices, comfort should not be overlooked, with the possibility of long periods of standing or walking.