How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I was in racehorse ownership 10 years previously in the UK. I wasn’t enjoying it because my horses were running over there and I was here in Ireland.

My son [also Cathal] had got together with a few lads, about 18-20 in a syndicate. So I decided I would like to get involved.

I rang Willie Mullins with the intention of buying a horse. That was about two years ago when Westport Lady was a four-year-old, she’s now six. She is my first horse in training in Ireland.

What was your best day at the races and why?

New Year’s Day 2019 at Fairyhouse. I was with my daughter Emma and when Wesport Lady was coming down the straight on her hurdles debut, it was the most wonderful feeling. We finished second but honestly it was as good as if we had won.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

I suppose the possibility of your horse getting injured or being unable to run due to injury. As an owner if you can get your horse to the starting line well you’re in competition.

I’m not a horseman myself, I’ve never ridden, but I love every aspect of horses and racing.

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

My experience is that they are all good.

I love Ballinrobe, it’s my local track and it’s a lovely track. They have done a great amount of work there. I know a lot of the people racing and it’s a great day out in good company.

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

Oh jumps. It’s the exhilaration of the jumps. I watch loads of racing. And to see Westport Lady flying over the hurdles, that is terrific for an owner.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Willie [Mullins] is a superb trainer and his track record speaks for itself. He was brought up in racing and understands horses.

I cannot say enough about him and Jackie and the whole team and their commitment.

He finds the time for me as much as for any owner. I ring up and arrange a day and he takes me out to see the horse and the yard and then in for coffee and a chat. It’s very sociable.

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

There is nothing in particular. We get free passes in when we have a runner and a meal in the owners and trainers room and somewhere to watch the races.

They do really well.

What significance do your colours hold?

Great significance. They are the green and red of Mayo, they represent the football team and anything to do with Mayo.

I got them first choice.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I bought Westport Lady from the yard. I haven’t been to the sales.

I take my advice from Willie and trust his judgement as to which animal of those he is showing is suitable for me. He leaves the choice to me.

The breeding is important of course. I’m looking for a good, honest sort, a horse with potential not necessarily one to reach the sky.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Westport Lady and another four-year-old I have bought out of the yard.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Westport Lady has run six times since last July and she is on a break currently. In nine or 10 months she has won her bumper, and altogether been placed four out of six times so I am pleased with that.

She could be out again in April or thereabouts.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

The four-year-old I bought out of the yard is a French-bred named Frere Tuck; my friends are having a bit of a laugh saying he will be known as Friar Tuck of course!

He was bought at the Arqana Summer Sale last year, the winner of an AQPS bumper at Argentan on his debut for Philippe Chemin and Christophe Herpin. He is a son of Secret Singer.

We hope that he will have his first run for me in the summer.

What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?

How you can be competitive against such owners as Gigginstown and J.P. McManus? I’m not sure.

J.P. does send horses to smaller trainers and no doubt that keeps many of them in business.

How do smaller trainers attract owners into their yards? I don’t know.

Should trainers be allowed multiple entries in a race?

With Willie Mullins if he has multiple entries in one race, they can be owned by many different owners.

Why should we deny any of them a start?

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

Firstly, don’t get involved unless you really like racing and enjoy the whole game.

There’s no straight line to success. It is frustrating when there is an injury or the horses aren’t running well.

You have to go into it with your eyes open.

If the enjoyment outweighs the price of the horse, you’re winning!

Cathal Hughes was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton