Our series on racehorse owners continues with Carl and Caitriona Beame
How did you get into racehorse ownership?
Caitriona has hunted with the Duhallows for years and I hunted a bit. We started off going to the local Duhallow point-to-points in Dromahane - helping out occasionally.
Our interest in racing was sparked and after attending many more points we bought a horse from a local trainer and started him running in local point-to-points. We then moved to inside the rails and had horses with Andrew McNamara.
What was your best day at the races and why?
Kara Loca winning first time out at a point-to-point in Kildorrery this year. It’s great when your plans come to fruition. After racing geldings we decided, because we have loads of stables and paddock space, why not get a filly, race her and when she retires breed from her.
Andrew McNamara bought us a Presenting filly, Lohort Castle, who he trained to win a bumper at Galway. After that she was retired and put in foal. We had decided to sell the colt foals and race the fillies ourselves. Kara was our first filly and two local lads, Kevin O’Brien and Timmy Horgan, did much of the pre-training at home at Waterloo.
When the fat was knocked off her, she was put in training with Michael Winters. It is so sweet to win with a horse you have bred and raised at home yourself. To make things even better she won her maiden hurdle first time out in Ballinrobe and was recently placed in a chase at Fairyhouse.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
WAITING. Waiting for the ground to be right. Waiting for the horse to be right. Waiting for the right race. And then - waiting for all three to be right together!!!
In your experience, which racecourse treats owners the best and why?
From our limited experience we have noticed a marked improvement from racecourses towards owners. While we cannot say Fairyhouse is the best, we were pleasantly surprised when they provided all owners with a free lunch recently; it was much appreciated after three hours on the road.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Jump racing is by far more exciting and easier for the small owner to get into and to win races in. We still like flat racing but feel it is beyond us and most small owners, which is pity.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
First and foremost is honesty with regard to the true ability of one’s horse in training. Obviously a good track record. The next thing is a training yard that caters to the small owner. (e.g. a trainer and yard reasonably accessible).
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
While there are currently a limited number of open days for all racehorse owners, I think a better system would be allow two free entries to all owners who have had a runner within a specified time period. This would show appreciation for all owners winning or losing who actively have horses running.
How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?
Our recent free lunch at Fairyhouse covered all owners, including losers, on the day; otherwise the only perk a losing owner receives is access to the Owners and Trainers bar. In some racecourses you can invite your friends to the bar and others are so strict that you don’t bother using the one perk you get.
What significance do your colours hold?
In our old age, we can see them at a distance!
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
A very good of judge of a horse told us years ago: “Nothing should stand out when looking at the picture of a horse.’’ So, some reasonable pedigree and pleasing to the eye, where your eye is not drawn to any one aspect of the horse.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Just one, Kara Loca with Michael Winters.
Have you any horses to look forward to?
All our horses are out of our mare, Lohort Castle. We have a foal, a brother to Kara Loca by Shirocco going to the Tattersalls National Hunt sales in November and two half-sisters we hope to race as well, by Vinnie Roe and Oscar.
What’s next on the agenda for your horses?
WAITING, for the ground to get softer!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
The most important decision is to pick the right trainer even before you acquire a horse. We think it is better to pick a trainer that is relatively near as we feel much of the pleasure of owning a racehorse is seeing it progress from a horse to a racehorse. The trainer will help you choose a horse or may already have one suitable.
Carl and Caitriona Beame were in conversation with Olivia Hamilton
AIRO has secured free admission to over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training.
UPCOMING DATES
October Leopardstown Sunday 25th
November Naas Sunday 1st
November Thurles Thursday 5th
November Naas Saturday 7th