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Ever spotted a striking set of jockey silks at the track and wondered, “Who owns those colours?” You’re not alone. Racing fans, punters, collectors and owners often want to search and verify who owns certain racing silks. For a full overview of how racing colours work in Australia — including registration, ownership and rules across all racing codes — see our complete guide to racing colours in Australia. Surprisingly, there’s no single unified national database that makes this easy. But with the right tools, you can look up racing colours by name, owner or even region. Here’s how.

What Are Racing Colours?

Racing colours — also known as jockey silks — are the distinctive jackets and caps worn by jockeys during a race. Each design represents the registered owner or syndicate of the horse. These colours act as a visual identity on the track, allowing race callers, punters, and spectators to easily recognise horses during a race. Colours must be officially registered with the relevant racing authority before they can be used in competition.  

1. Start With Racing NSW’s Colours Search Tool

If you’re looking for registered racing colours in Australia, Racing NSW offers one of the most useful public tools: → Racing NSW Colours Search

• A visual representation of the silks
• Registered owner’s name
• Registration details

Note: This only covers horses and owners registered in New South Wales.

2. Use Racing Australia for National Ownership Details

While Racing NSW shows visual silks, Racing Australia offers a broader national database of horse ownership, which can help verify who owns a particular horse or racing name. → Racing Australia Owner Info Although it doesn’t show visuals of the silks, it’s helpful if you already know the horse or syndicate name and want to confirm ownership.

3. Search by Horse or Syndicate Name

If you know the name of the horse, you can often find colours described in race replays or ownership information. A good place to start is:

• Racing Australia
• Your local state racing authority

Then cross-reference with the Racing NSW colours tool if applicable.

4. Racing Colours Registries by State in Australia

While Racing NSW provides the most accessible visual search tool, racing colours are actually registered through individual state racing authorities across Australia. If you’re searching for racing colours outside New South Wales, you may need to check with the relevant state body:

• Victoria: Racing Victoria
• Queensland: Racing Queensland
• South Australia: Thoroughbred Racing SA
• Western Australia: Racing and Wagering WA
• Tasmania: Tasracing

Each authority manages registrations and approvals for jockey silks within their jurisdiction. If you’re unsure where a horse or owner is registered, Racing Australia can help identify the relevant state.

5. What About New Zealand Racing Colours?

If you’re in New Zealand or looking for NZ-based horses: → LoveRacing.nz (NZTR Colours Lookup) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has its own colours registration and lookup tools for NZ-based owners.

6. Can I Use Similar Colours to Someone Else?

Generally, no. When you register racing colours, the racing authority checks to ensure your design is distinct and not already in use. Colours are a form of identity and branding on the track. That’s why it’s important to get your set officially registered before producing custom silks.

7. How to Register Racing Colours in Australia

The easiest way to start is by reading our step-by-step guides:

• → Jockey Colours Registration Guide (Australia & NZ)
• → Harness Racing Colours Registration Guide

8. Racing Syndicate Colours

Many modern racehorses are owned by syndicates — groups of owners who share the cost and excitement of racing a horse together. These syndicates also register their own racing colours, which represent the group on race day. Syndicate colours often become a point of pride for members and supporters. Many owners also create matching merchandise such as caps, umbrellas, replica saddle cloths, and commemorative memorabilia to celebrate big wins. If you’re part of a racing syndicate looking to create branded gear, explore our Racing Syndicate Merchandise collection.

9. Designing Your Own Silks

Once you’ve confirmed your colours are available and registered, it’s time to bring them to life. At Mittys, we make custom jockey silks using premium dye-sublimated satin or Skintex performance materials.

• → Design Your Own Silk Jacket & Cap
• → Design Your Own Skintex Racing Gear

Many owners also create keepsakes like replica saddle cloths, presentation sashes, and commemorative racing memorabilia to celebrate big wins.

FAQs

How do I find out who owns a set of racing colours? Use Racing NSW to look up by name or region, or Racing Australia to check ownership. Is there a national database of all jockey silks? Not a unified one with visuals. You’ll need to search state by state or refer to Racing Australia’s ownership tools. Can you look up jockey silks online? Yes. Racing NSW provides one of the best public tools for searching registered racing colours with visual representations of the silks. What are jockey silks made of? Modern racing silks are typically made from lightweight satin or performance fabrics such as Skintex, designed to be breathable and aerodynamic. Why are racing colours unique? Racing authorities require colours to be unique so horses can be clearly identified during races and to avoid confusion between owners. How long does registration take? It varies by state, but generally allow a few weeks for processing and approval. Can I design my colours first and then register? It’s best to register first to secure your design, then have your silks custom made.

Related Racing Guides

• Complete Guide to Racing Colours in Australia
• Most Iconic Racing Colours in Australian History
• How to Register Jockey Colours

Final Word

Searching for who owns a set of racing colours is more common than you think — and now easier than ever. Whether you’re a punter, owner, or racing enthusiast, the right tools can help you explore the identity behind every set of silks. And when you’re ready to bring your colours to life, Mittys is here to deliver high-quality racing silks trusted by owners, clubs and syndicates. Explore more at: mittys.com.au