How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I wasn’t brought up with horses but three of us wanted to buy a horse and Robert Tyner found us one in 2014, Pulled Mussel, who won three races for us under our Inittowinit Syndicate name. The other members are Tony Frost and John Rooker.

What was your best day at the races and why?

It was this Christmas at Leopardstown when Gurteen won the bumper (December 28th, landing a substantial gamble, having followed Min home at Punchestown previously). The buzz of it all and winning at Leopardstown.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

I can’t think of any disadvantages. We’re on a roller coaster at the moment. (Gurteen won his maiden hurdle at Navan last weekend.)

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

I can’t find fault with any of them and I want to say I am impressed by the way Cork looked after us. (Brendan has just won the 2015 Owner of the Year awarded by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain as part of the KSS Syndicate).

The difference in the way greyhound owners and racehorse owners are treated is chalk and cheese.

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

I love the jumps, it’s in the blood, but we have a couple for the flat as well.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

It’s hard to explain, we have only been with Robert. He has looked after us so well. You see what you get with him. He gives us excellent advice and all the family have been good to us. In fact we are calling into the yard on the way to Clonmel for the greyhounds (last Thursday).

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

I can’t fault them. They keep us up to date with emails and the owners and trainers’ facilities are very pleasant.

What significance do your colours hold?

Nothing special, I just picked them.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Robert does the buying. He acquired two horses at sales for us and two out of points. I went along to Goffs and I was interested in the whole experience of the sale day.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Gurteen, and a share of Pulled Mussel and Blast Of Koeman and a four-year-old gelding bought in Goffs last year.

What’s next on the agenda for your horse?

Nothing definite at the moment.

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

We have some young stock, four three-year-olds at Yorton Farm in Ashford, Kent.

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

Get plenty of advice and if you want to go into ownership maybe share the costs with two or three others.

There’s room for all. The big names who dominate Irish racing are keeping it going - McManus and Ricci, they are good for the game.

Brendan Keogh was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.

AIRO has secured free admission for tomorrow (Sunday January 31st) at Punchestown for registered owners with a horse in training.