Ever dreamed of owning a racehorse?

Well, now is your chance thanks to the Evening Press and leading Ryedale trainer Tim Etherington.

Readers are being given the chance to join in the excitement of racing by taking a share in one of Etherington's two-year-olds at his yard at Wold House, Langton Road, Norton.

The bay filly will be registered with the Jockey Club with the name 'Evening Press'.

The Editor of the Evening Press, Liz Page, said: "Here's a great chance for readers to have a bit of fun - and, who knows, if Evening Press proves to be a real winner, shareholders could be in the money by the end of the season."

Naturally, the Evening Press will keep readers informed of our namesake's progress.

She should be ready for her first race in June or July and hopes are high that she will feature in the Sunday meeting at York on September 2 which is once again being sponsored by the Evening Press.

Just imagine being in the Knavesmire winners' enclosure after seeing Evening Press be first past the post.

What a thrill - and you can be part of the flat racing scene by becoming a member of the Evening Press Racing Partnership.

A total of 20 shares are being offered on a 'free lease' agreement. This means that you are given a free share in Evening Press and just pay for the training fees and racing expenses and in return receive any prize money won, together with any other income received such as appearance money and sponsorship fees.

The lease covers the 2001 season with a possible option to continue for 2002.

It is possible for a group of people to own one share so office workers, pub regulars and club members could form their own mini-syndicate to purchase a stake in Evening Press.

A five per cent share will cost £65 per month (£15 a week), which will be used to pay all the bills. The first payments will be from April 23 and the final payment will be on November 1.

At the end of the season funds not used - plus any prize money won - will be distributed to the partners in the form of a dividend.

Sports Editor Martin Jarred said: "It promises to be a lot of fun - even for people who don't join the partnership. We'll look upon Evening Press as being York's horse and hope readers will follow her progress throughout the season in our newspaper and on this website."

The partnership will be run by racing promoter Paul Clarkson, who already runs successful partnerships with other regional newspapers, including the Evening Press' Newsquest stablemate The Northern Echo.

If you would like to receive full details, or if you would like to go and see the horse before making a decision then give Paul a ring on 01995 605790 or fax him on 01995 606830. You can also write to him at Paul Clarkson Sporting Promotions, The Paddocks, Strickens Lane, Barnacre, Garstang, Lancashire PR3 1UD.

He will shortly be organising a visit to Wold House Stables to see Evening Press being put through her paces on the gallops and if you would like to go along, without obligation, contact Paul.

You must be over 18 to become a member of the partnership.

To become a member there is an initial payment of £30 to secure registration, setting up of the partnership and the purchase of the colours to be donned by Evening Press.

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, April 05, 2001