Ivan Clarke formed the Phoenix Bloodstock Syndicate as a means of purchasing form horses to put in training with his brother Keith. After advertising that he had shares for sale, he received an unbelievable response from ordinary members of the public wanting to get involved in racehorse ownership. The syndicate consists of members from all over Ireland as well as London.

What was your best day at the races and why?

As an owner it was the first night Poitin won for the Phoenix Bloodstock Syndicate. It was also Keith’s first winner as a trainer and having great people involved made the night at Dundalk very special.

As a racing fan it has to be seeing Istabraq winning his third Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, one of the best atmospheres I ever witnessed on a racecourse.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

For me there are none, as all the bad days make the good ones even better.

In your experience, which racecourse treats owners the best and why?

I find it is often the smaller tracks, such as Bellewstown, which stand out as they tend to have something for everyone there. The management team do a fantastic job there providing great value for money for the average racegoer.

Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?

Our family are more National Hunt people but I love the flat as well and appreciate great horses and training performances in either code.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

You need a trainer who is dedicated to their clients and devoted to their horses.

What improvements could be made to racing in Ireland?

We have the best horse racing in the world, and it would be great to see more investment towards racecourse improvements to provide facilities that would match the top class racing action.

What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?

Owners are the backbone of the industry, because without owners’ funding, there are no horses to train. A greater effort to provide better value for syndicates and maybe offer discounts on admission. If we get more people to go racing, more will keep coming back.

How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?

If you want owners to keep investing, racecourses should treat all owners, whether they be winners or losers, the same. Owners just want a good day out - winning is a bonus.

What significance do your colours hold?

Colours are an owner’s brand. People recognise your colours and remember the winners you had in those colours for example J.P. McManus and John Magnier, and we chose colours to reflect that.

How did the Phoenix Bloodstock Syndicate gets its name?

From the Phoenix rising from the ashes. It’s a symbol to say we have worked hard to get here and will continue to rise to the top!

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

At the minute we are looking for form horses, so that is the key for us.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Poitin, who is a five-time winner, Hallbeck, a winner at three, and an unraced Majestic Missile three-year-old filly.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

Hallbeck will be one to watch when she steps up in trip, and the Majestic Missile filly (out of Ginger Not Blonde) is going very well, although it is early days for her.

And just last week I bought a five-year-old gelding called Global Leader, who’ll be a nice horse for the second part of the summer.

What’s next on the agenda for Poitin?

Hopefully a nice handicap on the turf if we can get the ground we need, possibly at Leopardstown in May. The plan for Hallbeck is to run at Clonmel this week over two miles.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?

Have patience to let your horses develop and grow - weak horses won’t win races. And most importantly, enjoy the winners when they come along because they mightn’t come along too often.

AIRO secured free admission on over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training.

Down Royal Monday, May 4th

Ballinrobe Tuesday, May 5th

Wexford Saturday, May 9th

Naas Wednesday, May 13th

Sligo Wednesday, May 20th

Cork Friday, May 22nd

Ivan Clarke was in conversation with Joe Finegan.