Owners with metropolitan runners will no longer have to pay to go to the races in Sydney with the Australian Turf Club and NSW Racehorse Owners Association announcing a new partnership aimed at encouraging more people to race thoroughbreds.

Members of the NSWROA will be able to enjoy a range of benefits at ATC tracks, including an ATC Owners Benefits Card, providing free gate entry to all Sydney racecourses.

The Benefits Card will be available to all the 10,000 owners who have a starter at Sydney tracks each year and includes associate membership to the NSWROA.

The partnership aims to increase the number of people owning and racing horses in NSW and to raise general awareness of thoroughbred racing and owners' rights.

ATC will also partner with NSWROA in facilitating activities such as ownership forums, syndication days, Inglis Easter Sales tours, stallion parades and special owners days at metropolitan race meetings.

"Owners are an integral part of the ongoing success of racing and we need to not only retain but attract new customers to our sport,'' ATC executive general manager racing services and membership, James Heddo, said.

"We will now be better able to communicate with all owners in NSW and offer them further benefits and offers on racedays including dining and hospitality, even if their horse is not racing on the day.''

NSWROA president Ray McDowell said it was an exciting development.

"Both our organisations have very similar goals when it comes to providing the best we possibly can for our members," he said.

"As the ATC has recognised, without the owner there is no racing industry, so it is only logical that this partnership will take ownership to a whole new level.