How did you get into ownership?

I always knew I wanted to own racehorses from the time I watched them on Saturday TV as a boy and when my mum used to take me and my brothers to Haydock Park, there was the buzz of watching and going to the races.

I was too big to be a jockey so decided I want to own them but had no idea how! Then my brother David introduced me to a friend called Bart O’Sullivan in our local pub in Bond Street, Leigh. Bart had horses in training in Ireland and he talked me through the costs and risks.

I was struck by Bart’s passion about the whole experience. Bart then introduced me to his trainer Ado McGuinness and the two of them have made the whole experience easy and fun. I couldn’t thank them more.

What was your best day at the races?

It has to be when Saltonstall won the Colm Quinn Galway Mile at the Galway Festival this year.

We always really liked the horse but he’d had his problems.

Going to Galway we knew he was in good form but when we got a wide draw and it was a big field we thought it would be too big an ask. Mum, two brothers and myself had all flown in that morning.

Saltonstall got a great ride from Colin Keane and put up a brilliant performance. We were so overwhelmed and delighted when he ran down the whole field and won. We were going crazy. To share it together as a family is something we will never ever forget. No money can buy those types of memories.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The expense to keep the horse in training and the general upkeep fees. I would not advise anyone to enter racehorse ownership so as to make a profit.

This journey is all about “making memories” which money can’t buy. I only invest what I can afford to and every time I go to the races with my family and friends it feels like money well spent.

It can be disappointing if one of your horses runs below form but as long as they come back safe and sound from the races you can’t ask for anything more.

In your experience which course in Ireland treats owners the best?

I have had great experiences at Cork, Galway and Dundalk; all full of character and charm.

The clerk of the course of Cork took myself, my wife (Kerry) and Mum around the track. He was so proud of the course and you could see why – it was stunning. Dundalk is special because it is where we had our first winner and they put a great night out on.

If I had to choose one it would have to be Galway.

We spent a week at the festival there and everything was perfectly planned, from transportation to and from the course, the entertainment, bars, meals and the great after parties in the city. The people were so welcoming and gave us an amazing reception when we won.

The only racecourse which I feel needs to improve the owners’ facility is the Curragh. I’ve heard they are making positive changes.

Flat or jump racing which do you prefer and why?

I love both so I have flat and dual-purpose horses.

The spectacle of flat racing is amazing, the speed and beauty of it jaw-dropping. What I like about jump racing is that you can follow your favourite horses over many years.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

When investing money it is best to do your homework. At Dooley Thoroughbreds we are firm believers that if the horses enjoy their racing they will run much better and this is one of the main reasons Ado and Stephen Thorne (assistant) were a perfect fit for us (as well as being highly recommended).

What we particularly like about the team is: the beach nearby so the horses can swim to help their aches; the ability to listen to us about what we want as we come with a wealth of knowledge in form guides, breeding and know what horses we are after; communication and getting updates on all the horses and being able to negotiate the upcoming races regularly; the fact they are looking to grow, develop and improve as we want to feel important in the yard; the personalities of Stephen and Adrian McGuinness and the quality of the facilities are also important.

What improvements would you like to see at courses in Ireland?

Something that should be standard is that our HRI cards should be able to be used even when we do not have a runner on the day.

There are times I would love to visit a racecourse to watch a specific horse I might be looking to purchase. Or I might be deciding to enter my horse in a valuable race in months to come and want to experience the racecourse facility and see the hospitality it offers.

What significance do your colours hold?

The colours of Dooley Thoroughbreds are very important because they were chosen by the queen of the family – our mother.

The black colours with red chevron are now part of my family’s fashion, with us wearing similar coloured shirts and ties when racing. With the ‘Peaky Blinders’ caps it is our definitive style.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

It is all about choosing value for money. That certainly does not mean ‘cheap’ but means value on what we feel the horse is actually worth vs what we are able to pick it up for. Breeding is important, the current handicap mark, age and which yard they are coming from (as some yards we feel can improve them off their current form).

What horses do you currently have in training?

Our five horses are: Politicise, Current Option, Sirjack Thomas, Saltonstall and Never Back Down, all working nicely on the gallops.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

We always have an agenda months in advance but plans can change very quickly depending on weather and ground conditions. The plan is to have more winners!

The two I would say to keep your eye out for over hurdles are Sirjack Thomas and Politicise: both are athletic types who could go well over the jumps.

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

Having syndicates like Dooley Thoroughbreds makes becoming an owner a reality. Our eye for value when purchasing the horses is what will make us a success.

The first years we will look at handicapping type horses, then move onto yearlings and then into group-class horses hopefully.

We will also make sure entertainment to the forefront because we only want investors with a positive mindset.

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

Start slowly by joining a syndicate. This will limit liability as only investing 20% or even 10% into a horse lowers the financial risks. Get to understand all the costs involved and be informed in all aspects from purchasing the yearlings, to training methods to upcoming race entries.

www.dooleythoroughbreds.co.uk.

James Dooley was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton