Steve Parkin is executive chairman of Clipper Logistics, a delivery business he founded in 1992. After growing up enjoying racing with his father and grandfather, he now owns over 50 racehorses in Ireland and Britan as well as a private stud farm on 300 acres in North Yorkshire, Branton Court. He owned champion sprinter, Captain Rio, named after Rio Ferdinand, who he sold to Joe Foley of Ballyhane Stud, who became his his racing and bloodstock adviser.

Parkin also raced Cheveley Park Stakes winner Rosdhu Queen, a daughter of Invincible Spirit, who was bought as a breezer for 65,000gns before being resold by Parkin for 2,100,000gns at the Tattersalls December Sale in 2013.

Pat Fahy trains some of Parkin’s jumps horses and they had Grade 1 success with Morning Assembly in the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in 2013.

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

Watching racing on TV as a young boy, I was always fascinated by the animal. When I became successful in business the first thing was to own horses.

What was your best day at the races and why?

Winning the Lowther at York with Rosdhu Queen. It was at my local track, my father was gravely ill. He watched her win and sadly passed away three days later.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Injuries. But the wins outweigh the drawbacks.

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

I love racing in Ireland, the atmosphere is second to none. If I have to pick a favourite, it’s Leopardstown. But I also love Thyestes day in Gowran Park.

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

Flat – the nerves only last for a minute.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty, work ethic and talent.

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

I think Ireland has it just about right.

How do you feel owners are treated when not having a winner?

If you need special treatment when you’ve had a loser, you’re in the wrong game!

What significance do your colours hold?

My colours (all grey) are cherished colours in Britain. I bought them at Sothebys from the author Charlotte Bingham.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Joe Foley!

What horses do you currently have in training?

Fifty plus, including about 15 in Ireland.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Punchestown for Castlegrace Paddy, the Donohue Marquees Novice Hurdle (yesterday).

Royal Ascot for Suedois, who I own half of, and hopefully one of my two-year-olds.

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

I’ve a lovely bunch of two-year-olds but an early one to look out for is Main Desire.

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

Enjoy the highs because there are plenty of lows! But it’s a brilliant sport to be involved in with some great characters.

Steve Parkin was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.