Our weekly series on racehorse owners continues with David Hyland

David Hyland, along with his family, have always kept horses at Oghill House Stud near Monasterevin

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

Through my father Nick Hyland. He died young and our farm at Oghill House Stud near Monasterevin had gone back to livestock and tillage. My brothers Patrick and Hugh decided to go into bloodstock again; we had always kept horses as a family.

Recent success includes breeding Washington DC (winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes) in partnership, and our colt by Sea The Stars topped trade on the third day of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale last December, selling for 450,000gns.

What was your best day at the races and why?

It has to be at last year’s Irish Champions Weekend when Fiesolana gave Willie McCreery his first Group 1 after winning the Matron Stakes. I had always admired Willie’s career as a footballer for Kildare and I’m delighted to say that I recognised his talents before Sheikh Mohammed and other big owners!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Cost.

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

Leopardstown and Ballinrobe. Leopardstown have the best facilities in the country, they always get it right. I like Ballinrobe as a track and they treat owners very well.

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

I love jump racing but the money is in the flat. I do go jump racing as well. I own and bred What Lies Ahead and she is an ideal dual purpose sort (a three-time winner and fifth to Sr Cartage at Listowel recently). And I also have Fact Or Folklore in partnership with Ballylinch Stud who won the Guinness Handicap last Friday week at Listowel, following on from her win in Roscommon at the end of August. What’s seldom is wonderful!

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty - to tell it as it is. I want a trainer with good communication skills and Willie is excellent at this. I’m always interested in what’s going on with my horses and I’m always welcome to the yard. Quite a few of Willie’s staff are Monasterevin lads and so I know them. Some of the former Kildare players ride out on a Saturday – Sos Dowling and Eddie McCormick among them – and we have some fun out on the gallops.

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

I would like to see improvements for everyone who goes racing. Investments need to be made and facilities constantly upgraded.

What significance do your colours hold?

These are based on the colours of my local GAA club Monasterevin; blue and white.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Pedigree, conformation and affordability.

What horses do you currently have in training?

What Lies Ahead and Fact Or Folklore. Fact Or Folklore’s half-sister Laviniad has progressed well with age and hopefully she’ll do the same. We could look for blacktype with her.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

What Lies Ahead was due to run last night in Dundalk. Fact Or Folklore got another 7lb for her win in Listowel. She’s now on a mark of 91 so we may consider a listed race, hoping for a place as she would then make a nice broodmare prospect.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

I’m really looking forward to seeing the progress of a Lawman colt I bred, Marcel, who won a maiden in Newcastle in August. His trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam thinks he’s the real thing and is talking about the Racing Post Trophy and the Guineas next year.

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

Find a trainer you like and trust and go with the flow!

David Hyland was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton

The AIRO awards dinner takes place on Saturday,November 7th in Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare with a reception at 7pm. Tickets are €60 each. Email info@irishracehorseowners.com or telephone 045 878173.

AIRO secured free admission to over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training.

AIRO RACE DATES

Curragh September Sunday 27th

Roscommon September Monday 28th

Sligo September Wednesday 30th

Gowran Park October Friday 2nd

Tramore October Thursday 8th

Limerick October Saturday 10th

Cork October Saturday 17th

Leopardstown October Sunday 25th