If you love horse racing you have most likely heard of the ‘Golden Couple’ Fitri and James Hay.
Their pink and green racing silks are a familiar sight on UK racecourses. Horses are stabled with many high-profile trainers including: Charlie Hills, Paul & Oliver Cole, Andrew Balding, Ed Walker, Richard Hannon, David Simcock, Robert Cowell, Jonjo O’Neil, Ralph Beckett to name a few.
(This is to reduce the risk of a virus.)
Mrs Fitri Hay has all horses registered solely in her name.
Born in Jambi, Sumatra, she met her husband, James, in Jakarta, Indonesia, and got married on the 25th August 1996.
It’s been a whirlwind ever since.
James established the JMH Group in 2002 after a working for BP for 27 years. He has an impressive academic record and doctorate of Physical Chemistry. Fosroc is part of the company servicing the construction industry with 16 factories in 13 countries. Fosroc Global Trading services operates in a further 70 countries with total staff of 1700.
James Hay had a love of horse racing for over 50 years, while Fitri said she become a ‘racing widow’ when she came to live in the UK in 1998.
In fact, the Hay’s are significant owners with over 250 winners including Group 2 and 3 successes. The best winner being Here Comes When who tasted victory in the Sussex Stakes Group 1 (2018).
Fitri says their main objectives within racing is to develop top class stallions to go to stud. This requires a horse to win at Group class in the UK, France or the USA and, ideally, for the horse to have a good pedigree. Without this, stallions aren’t likely to achieve the highest stud fees.
She says: ‘ Good bloodlines don’t guarantee top class winners, but poor ones almost certainly guarantee losers.’
It’s true, that this philosophy drives the industry. You only have to consider a super sire such as Galileo who could ask £500,000 for a live foal and that could cover 200 mares a year if not doubled if ‘shuttled’ to covers horses in the Southern Hemisphere. (A staggering £200 Million per year).
Fitri continued: ‘We have owned racehorses since 2001 but to date we only have one significant stallion: Traffic Guard’ (who is based in South Africa).
‘Developing top class bloodlines is where the value lies.’
This is one reason why breeding stock from their own mares helps with costs. Prize money is another way of covering costs. However, this only covers about 25% of stable fees for a decent horse.
‘Winning top class races is essential to developing top class stallions and mares.’
The Hay’s view owning thoroughbred horses from a business approach but this is just one aspect of their venture. The thrill of owning a winning race horse, especially a prestigious race is very special. Breeding a winner adds to the celebration.
This power couple have enjoyed memorable days racing and were even guests of the late Queen for lunch at Windsor Castle and included in the Royal procession down the track in one of the Queen’s carriages.
The future looks bright for the Hays, and their Racing Manager, Alex Cole, helps plot the path for each and every horse with trainers and themselves.
Firti and James Hay came back to the UK in 2011 following the purchase of Birch Grove House and Estate in West Sussex. Their business headquarters are still managed and based in Dubai.
Both via their company and personally, the Hays support varied charities including projects to help and educate children in Indonesia.
This outstanding couple have much to look forward to and their philanthropic ways continue to help many less fortunate than themselves.