THE QUEEN'S RANSOM

How much does it cost to own a racehorse? Tahitian Queen's oats, shoes, training fees and other expenses are documented on a blog so all 61 of her owners can track where the money goes. Here's a rundown of the group's expenditures -- and winnings -- through early June:

Beginning balance of account: $15,600 (60 owners at a cost of $250 each, plus one who owns 10 percent of the horse and is licensed by the Minnesota Racing Commission as the official owner)

Purchase of horse: $6,000

MRC license: $50

Shipping horse from Chicago to Canterbury Park: $240

Training bill for April: $200 (four days, $50 per day, includes feed, hay, bedding, daily care and training)

Winnings from first race on May 15: $4,200 (winner receives 60 percent of the total purse, which was $7,000 for this race). Jockey Jose Ferrer gets a 10 percent cut of the winning share ($420), and $1 of the purse goes to a Canterbury Park fund for retired racehorses.

Winnings from second race on May 30: $4,200. Ferrer gets 10 percent of that ($420), and $1 goes to the horse retirement fund. Tradition also dictates that the owner buys winner's circle photos for the trainer, jockey and groom ($27 total).

Training bill for May: $1,550 for training (31 days, $50 per day), plus $250 to patch a quarter crack on the filly's hoof. Trainer Tammy Domenosky also is owed 10 percent of the winner's purses, $420 from each of Tahitian Queen's two victories, and there is a $25 fee for each race to pay the pony rider who escorts the horses onto the track and to the starting gate. The filly also needs new shoes ($110).

Veterinarian bill: $373.08. This covers medications -- including Lasix to control pulmonary bleeding, omeprazole to prevent ulcers, and the joint supplement Adequan -- and deworming.

Total expenditures: $10,632.08

Total winnings: $8,400