Andrew Brooks has horses in training in Britain and in Ireland with Willie Mullins and

Tom Cooper

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

As a young child, I was fortunate enough to visit Josh Gifford’s yard at Findon. I remember a gentleman called Anton pouring exceptionally large glasses of gin and tonic for the various owners, so from a young age had an interest in horses and racing (and drinking). Once my football and rugby days were finally over, I needed to have something else to give me an adrenalin rush and unfortunately for me ended up being a racehorse owner! One of the main attractions is also the camaraderie amongst the racing fraternity from all different walks of life and, of course, the option to share a gin and tonic ...

What was your best day at the races and why?

I have two: January 5th 2013, watching Katenko jump at Sandown was an incredible experience, together with the realisation that I had a proper horse!

February 10th this year (Betway Kingmaker Novices’ Chase) – the performance of Saint Calvados potentially surpassed that of Katenko, but unfortunately for me I was not able to witness the race live as I was on a plane.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The fragility of the horses and how quickly dreams can end. In 2013, the week before the Cheltenham Gold Cup, I received a telephone call from Venetia Williams telling me that Katenko had colic. Fortunately, he survived, but has never been the same horse. Kapga De Cerisy broke his leg in the Paddy Power Cup at Cheltenham and I lost Baradari to a schooling injury in 2015.

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

As yet, I have not been racing in Ireland and look forward to rectifying that over the next few months.

Do you prefer flat or jump racing, and why?

I do not have any involvement in flat racing. It does not really hold any appeal as I much prefer the unpredictability of jump racing and the longevity it gives the horses to enable them to their reach their full potential.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

For me, good communication is essential. In addition, being able to give the horses a variety of different exercises is imperative – it’s a bit like an individual going to a gym and doing the same workout day in, day out. You get completely bored and do not perform to the best of your ability.

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

I have yet to visit one but will let you know once I have.

What significance do your colours hold?

The colours were picked by my daughter and youngest son. Fortunately, they were chosen without prompting and luckily kind of resemble the West Ham football club colours!

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Good breeding and conformation thereof and, in addition, who has looked after the horse before it being sold on.

What do you currently have in training?

In Ireland I have two with Willie Mullins, Redfield and Force Of Forces and two with Tom Cooper, Jammy George and Dammit Janet. Redfield was due to run in the bumper at Leopardstown yesterday.

And plenty of horses in England.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

With Cheltenham next week, I am hoping that Simply The Betts will run in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He has grown a lot over the winter and has a big each-way chance. If he’s going to lose his novice status it might as well be in a Grade 1 at Cheltenham.

Saint Calvados is in the Arkle and we have high hopes, he’s an improving horse and we really fancy him.

Potentially I might have another couple in the handicaps. Willie Boy is entered in the Brown Advisory Plate Handicap, Calipto in the same race and in the Grand Annual on Friday, Vic De Touzaine is entered in the Ultima, the Brown Advisory and the Kim Muir.

Redfield’s sister Rouergate goes in the mares novices’ hurdle on Thursday.

I’m still looking for that first Cheltenham Festival winner.

Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. young/unbroken horses)

I am looking forward to seeing Redfield and Rouge Vif on the track in the not too distant future.

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

Until a horse runs on a track, you always like to think they are superstars, but this invariably leads to disappointment. You need to be able to deal with the highs and lows of the sport (invariabley more lows than highs).

Andrew Brooks was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton