How did you get into racehorse

ownership?

My business partner Martin Hamill and I have been key sponsors of local Northern Ireland sport for several years. One these sponsorships is Down Royal. Through being regular racegoers we became interested enough to buy our first horse five years ago in April 2015.

What was your best day at the races and why?

Without a doubt this has to be May 24th 2019 when we had our first winner Thegoaheadman at Downpatrick. This was after several seconds and thirds.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The unexpected, such as being halfway to the track to receive a call that the horse has to be withdrawn.

Another major drawback is injuries that bring an end to the racing career of a horse.

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

I have to say Down Royal where the facilities for racegoers are second to none.

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

I like both codes but prefer National Hunt racing as I just feel there is more excitement with obstacles in the way and I am not particularly keen on sprint races on the flat. It’s all over before you can really get into the race.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I have two trainers, Jessica Harrington and Tony Martin. The key things I look for are openness, approachability and the ability to tell you straight about a horse’s ability.

Finally, it’s essential to have good communication about the horse’s well-being.

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

Courses vary tremendously across the country and much could be said. My main criticism is that at many courses there is no owners’ parking facility and in some cases where parking is provided it is pretty awful.

How do you think the current crisis will impact on racing in general and on ownership in particular?

I think racing will bounce back for sure but needs to see a return to the track in the near future.

With regard to owners, I fear some owners of businesses will be hit big time financially which will have a direct effect on their ability to continue to fund what is a relatively expensive hobby/interest.

What significance do your colours hold?

I have two syndicates. The first is Rainbow Gems. The colours are orange for Armagh GAA and blue for Chelsea FC.

The second is a family syndicate named after my late wife and mauve was one of her favourite colours.

How did your syndicates get their names?

Rainbow Gems is our company (Rainbow) and the first initial of the four original syndicate members. Greg, Eric, Martin and Seamus.

Elizabethcarsonracing Syndicate speaks for itself.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I actually wouldn’t have a clue and leave purchasing to the expert eye of the trainer.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Thegoaheadman and Wingin A Prayer with the Rainbow Gems Syndicate.

Mr Jacaranda and Nathaniel’s Dream with Elizabethcarsonracing.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

All the current ones are National Hunt so it’s very much a wait and see but hopefully they will get a couple of appearances at Galway. And who knows maybe we’ll have a Cheltenham runner.

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

I don’t have any young or unbroken to look forward to. However, Nathaniel’s Dream was rated highly in the yard as a three-year-old but has been slow to make progress.

He has developed into a fine, big horse now and I am looking forward to getting him back racing.

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

I would suggest running races limited to owners with, say, no more than six horses in training.

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

I would tell them to be prepared for the highs and lows. Particularly the lows as you may never get a winner and there is no guarantee your horse will run on a particular day. However, the excitement of seeing your horse challenge in a finish is amazing.

Finally, be very sure of the costs involved and consider joining a syndicate.

Eric Carson was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton