Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, soak up the atmosphere at Australia's Melbourne Cup. Owning a thoroughbred has long been the luxury hobby of the mega rich. But an increasing number of "Average Joes" are also entering the elite industry.
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(CNN) -- What do Britain's Queen Elizabeth, soccer star Wayne Rooney and Hollywood director Steven Spielberg all have in common?
Each is the proud owner of that ultimate status symbol of the wealthy -- a race horse.
Along with wine, art and gold, thoroughbreds have long been the luxury investment of choice for the mega rich.
But the industry appears to be taking a new direction as an increasing number of "Average Joes" pool their money and head to the sales.
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"Owning a race horse is more accessible than ever before," says Richard Wayman, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners' Association.
"At the top end, you've got huge international buyers paying millions of pounds for the best bloodstock.
"But in recent years, lower down, there's been a proliferation of people becoming part of a syndicate."
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A fairytale buy
For Australian lawyer Colin Madden, buying a thoroughbred with his friends six years ago was the most extraordinary -- and profitable -- decision of his life.
The 54-year-old had known nothing about horse racing, describing himself as an Aussie Rules Football man, when his mates suggested buying a horse.
"We saw it as an excuse to have a laugh," Madden told CNN. "For us it was a shared experience with people we liked spending time with -- we never really expected to make any money from it."
The five friends, some who had known each other since kindergarten, pooled their money and bought a thoroughbred worth $315,000.
Little did they know, the mare, Black Caviar, would become the most successful sprinter in the world, unbeaten in a staggering 23 consecutive races to date and winning more than $7 million in prize money.
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The six-year-old celebrity horse has not only earned big money on the track, she's become a lucrative brand -- appearing on the cover of Vogue, launching a range of grooming products and publishing a best-selling biography.
Risky business
But despite his spectacularly lucky investment, Madden had a word of warning for those considering purchasing a thoroughbred: "Never buy a horse thinking you'll make money."
"Success is 10% bloodline, jockey and trainer," he said. "The remaining 90% is good fortune."
Owning a race horse offers prestige, excitement, and a unique insight into the industry. But if you're looking for a guaranteed return on your investment, think again.
"Putting money into buying a horse is a risky proposition -- you never know how good it's going to be," Wayman told CNN.
"There's always the hope as an owner that you get a horse that can compete at that top level. But I think that's more of a dream than reality."
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Thoroughbreds range from $1,300 ("You're very lucky if you buy one at that price and it wins any race. It's a bit like buying a used car," said Wayman) to more than $3 million.
And that's just buying the horse. By the time you pay for stables, feed, trainers and jockeys, the net return is around 21% -- meaning for every $100 you spend, you get just $21 back.
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What to look for
"Always look for a thoroughbred with a good bloodline," said Madden. "That way, even if the horse can't run, you can always breed them or sell them off. It's a type of insurance."
And if champion British thoroughbred Frankel is any indication, sometimes the biggest money can be made off the track.
The highest-rated race horse in the world retired last year after an unbeaten 14-win record, earning Saudi owner Prince Khalid Abdullah more than $4 million in prize money.
But even greater returns await Frankel in his new life as a breeding stallion. The four-year-old super colt, who sired his first foal last month, commands a fee of $188,000 each time he produces offspring.
With an expected annual roster of 100 mares, Frankel is expected to generate more than $18 million in his first year and more than $150 million overall during his stud career.
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Emotional investment
World-renowned Black Caviar will likely earn similar fees as a breeding mare. But for Madden, one of the greatest benefits of owning a thoroughbred isn't the money -- it's the thrill of the game.
"Every time I see Black Caviar at the starting gate, my heart is pounding. No matter what you do, you can't control the outcome. And how often in life do you get an adrenalin rush like that?"
Win or lose, owning a race horse may not be a watertight investment. But it still offers a priceless experience.
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Famous thoroughbred owner Queen Elizabeth seems to have passed on her passion for horses to granddaughter Zara Phillips, an Olympic silver medalist equestrian rider. Phillips' husband, former England rugby captain Mike Tindall, recently paid £12,000 ($18,000) for a race horse as part of a syndicate of four people.
English Premier League football star Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen (center) watches the action from the race track. The couple own three race horses, including one called Switcharooney.
He may have directed 2011 film Warhorse, but Steven Spielberg's equine interests don't stop there. The Oscar-winner also co-owns thoroughbred Atswhatimtalkingabout, which came fourth in the 2003 Kentucky Derby.
Some of the biggest race horse investors hail from Qatar, including its ruling Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (right). Last year, Qatar Racing bought the world's most expensive yearling at auction, stumping up a whopping $4 million for a 19-month-old colt called Hydrogen.
Australian race horse Black Caviar storms home to her 23rd consecutive victory at Melbourne's Lightning Stakes Day last month. The syndicate of five owners paid $315,000 for the horse which has now won more than $7 million in prize money.
Not only has Black Caviar won millions on the track, she's become a lucrative brand, launching her own range of grooming products, appearing on the cover of Vogue and publishing a best-selling biography.
Trainer Peter Moody was a catalyst behind Black Caviar syndicate, advising co-owner Neil Werrett to invest in the thoroughbred. "Peter Moody has been incredibly patient with our horse. A lot of trainers run them into the ground -- not him," co-owner Colin Madden said.
Even greater returns may await race horses off the track. Retired champion British colt Frankel now commands a fee of $188,000 each time he produces offspring.
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