How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I always had a strong interest in horses and last year I decided I would go and purchase one of my own.

What was your best day at the races and why?

I was lucky enough to have been in attendance at Kempton Park on St Stephen’s Day when Kauto Star won his fifth King George (December 2011) - a day and a horse I’ll not forget.

Thankfully in my brief stint as a racehorse owner I have enjoyed many great days at the races but the best day would have to be the day Highland Fling won over hurdles at the Listowel Festival this year (September 16th) after winning two days previous at the festival on the level.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The cost of keeping a racehorse is surely the biggest drawback; many people who have strong interest in horses just can’t justify the money it takes to have a horse in training.

Although I do see some trainers now starting to set up syndicates and racing clubs to make it more cost effective.

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

I have had nothing only pleasant experiences at every racecourse I have attended in Ireland although Leopardstown would have been the best as their facilities for owners are second to none.

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

I have a preference for jump racing. It was from watching the top National Hunt meetings like Cheltenham and Punchastown that my passion for racing came from.

Highland Fling is a dual-purpose horse so I suppose I get the best of both worlds as an owner.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Training horses is all about results so I would always look for a trainer who can find the best opportunities for their horses. A friend of mine introduced me to Gavin (Cromwell) and I’m happy to give him a chance training my horse.

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

I have had only good experiences at racecourses in Ireland as an owner and I feel they do a very good job, catering for the owners with passes, racecards and food.

It is vital that owners are looked after well as without the owners there would be no horses.

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

I think regardless of how your horse does on the day all owners are treated well. A day at the races is always a good day but is always better when you have a winner.

What significance do your colours hold?

I let the children pick the colours, two boys and two girls – hence blue and yellow.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Many people can get carried away with how a horse is bred when buying a horse but I would be of the mindset that you have to have the horse before you look at the pedigree.I would look for a horse with a nice bit of size and scope, a horse who moves well with a nice walk and then if it also has a nice page then that’s a bonus.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Just the one at the moment, Highland Fling.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

He’s entered at Leopardstown (today) in the Tote October Handicap over one mile, four furlongs.

Gavin Cromwell commented: “He’s going well at the moment and the softer the ground the better for him. He’s been a great servant to us and while today is a step-up in class, he’s able for it.’’

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

Nothing else currently.

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

Having races classified for trainers who have, for example, 30 or less horses in training is something I have seen talked about and could surely only be a good thing for the smaller trainer.

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

If you decide on becoming an owner take a good look at the costs in keeping the horse. It won’t always win races and veterinary fees, race fees, transport etc still have to be paid for.

I count myself extremely lucky to have found such a good horse as a first purchase but a lot of that came down to the trainer Gavin Cromwell who knew exactly what to look for.

Eoin Hughes was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton