The seven-member Andy’s Five O’Clock Syndicate have Derek Nally and spokesman Seamus Walker as their ring leaders. The bunch are all based around Bunclody, Co Wexford with one member from Kilkenny. The Tony Black-trained Havana Dancer won her maiden hurdle at Punchestown earlier this month and the group have high hopes for this summer.
How did you get into racehorse ownership?
Five of the syndicate have previous experience of ownership, or being in a syndicate. Derek Nally owned Vicars Way, who was a very popular local winner, while others were involved in other syndicates including Drumderry Racing Syndicate. We knew local trainer Tony Black and he asked us if we’d be interested in taking on Havana Dancer. So we got together and formed a new syndicate.
What was your best day at the races and why?
Obviously it was July 3rd, when Havana Dancer won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. Four of the syndicate were there that day and really enjoyed watching our first win from the stands. We were more than excited!
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
The expense. And the expense is counteracted by the suspense.
In your experience, which racecourse treats owners the best and why?
Navan and Downpatrick. They both gave us a lovely warm welcome, invited us to lunch, and generally made a fuss of us. It’s always nice as an owner to be welcomed to a racetrack.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Most of the syndicate prefer jump racing. We feel it represents better value for money from an owner’s perspective. While, some of us have no interest in flat racing at all!
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
We wanted someone who is a lover of horses and of the sport. A trainer also needs to maintain good communication with the owners.
What improvements could be made to racing in Ireland?
Regularly, entries for two racemeetings on different days have to be made on the same morning. This kind of occurrence is not owner friendly because often you have to make double entries at those different meetings to increase your chances of getting a run. I feel it’s just a way of the authorities of collecting extra entry fees and generating income.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
There are seven members in our syndicate, which is not an unusual number for a syndicate, but we only have four admission cards. It would be nice to have free admission for all members and it wouldn’t cost a fortune. With syndicates becoming more and more popular, the limitations for entry cards for syndicates should be re-examined.
How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?
Other than free admission and the odd lunch, there’s no special treatment. Maybe some refreshments for all owners would be a way of the racecourse acknowledging that you’re there.
What significance do your colours hold?
Formerly the colours of the Drumderry Racing Syndicate, which were colours picked by Joe O’Reilly, who wanted something easily identifiable on the track.
How did Andy’s Five O’Clock Syndicate gets its name?
The syndicate is based in Bunclody, Co Wexford, and the syndicate members mainly socialise in Redmond’s Bar. The late Andy Redmond owned some very good horses including Bunclody Tiger, who won the Galway Plate in 1974. Some of our members are semi-retired, and we generally meet in Redmond’s at 6pm. However, one fully retired member cheekily suggested we start meeting at 5pm instead.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
Pedigree is very important, as is conformation. After that, we leave it to the trainer.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Just Havana Dancer.
What’s next on the agenda for Havana Dancer?
We’d like to see her run in a mares hurdle on Galway Plate day. In the meantime, she’ll possibly run in a handicap hurdle at Cork on July 10th.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
Visit goracing.ie, where you’ll find a guide for new owners which is very informative and practical.
AIRO secured free admission on over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training.
Curragh TOMORROW
Bellewstown Thursday, July 2nd