How did you get into racehorse ownership?
My family were always surrounded by horses for the sales at Newmarket and if they didn’t sell they went into training with Sally Hall in the north of England around the 1960s. I rode as a child and have always loved horses.
What was your best day at the races and why?
My best day was when Wine Merchant ran in his bumper at Down Royal trained by Dessie Hughes.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
Bills and entry fees and, of course, trainers’ bills.
In your experience, which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?
I think Down Royal because it is making improvements. Every time you go there is something new.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
I like flat racing at the top and have recently had a winner on the flat (I’m So Fancy) but I do enjoy Cheltenham, Fairyhouse, Punchestown and kicking off the National Hunt season at the Down Royal Festival in November.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
A sense of humour and honesty.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
I don’t feel improvements need to be made as most courses are well updated. However, National Hunt prize money could go up instead of giving it to the flat where there are only four or five at the top who benefit.
How do you feel owners are treated when not having a winner?
Not having a winner is part and parcel of owning racehorses.
What significance do your colours hold?
Yellow is my favourite colour, the red hoop is for wine and the white sleeves and cap are from Monksfield’s colours. Monksfield winning was one of my favourite horses in his day.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
Good legs, good shoulder, honest looking head and a good pedigree.
What horses do you currently have in training?
I have a horse on the flat with Jessica Harrington - I’m So Fancy, who won last time out at Navan in October. I also have a pointer with Colin McBratney and a horse in England - Oscars Boss.
What’s next on the agenda for your horses?
The point-to-point season is something to look forward to and the coming spring flat season for three-year-olds. Oscars Boss is due to run at Southwell on Monday.
Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. young/unbroken horses)
A yearling full-sister to the three-year-old filly.
What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?
Better conditions for entries and less expense for entry fees.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
Don’t, unless you are prepared to lose a large fortune!
Elspeth Nicholson was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.
The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) have secured agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses for free admission to 107 race meetings in 2016 for owners who currently have a horse in training.