How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I was always with horses, I grew up with them and point-to-pointed myself. (Won the Ward Union trophy at The Folly on the Vulgan gelding Barberstown, who was owned, trained and bred by her uncles, John and Peter Heron. The pair won four other point-to-points.)

My uncles had horses in Britain and I took over ownership of some them when my uncles died and that continued on for a couple of seasons (one of which was Seventh Sky, the winner of two flat races, a hurdle and six chases, and was trained by Charlie Mann.)

My son Peter Toole suffered a bad injury at Aintree in 2011. (His mount Classic Fly fell at the first fence in a novices’ chase held in advance of the Grand National.) He retired from race riding and came back to Ireland so then I went into ownership back here.

What was your best day at the races and why?

It was March 4th, 2006, at Tyrella point and the horse was Never Enough Time. It was the first point winner I had. I trained him myself and it was the first ride and first win of my son Peter.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Trying to keep horses sound and trying to find the right one without spending too much.

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

Navan, Fairyhouse and Punchestown all do a good job.

On the whole owners are treated much better now but some country tracks could try harder. At some of them you just about get a sandwich and it can often be turning up at the ends! They are serving a hot lunch anyway, so why neglect owners?

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

National Hunt through and through. I hardly go to a flat meeting.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I’ve only had the one in Ireland – Dermot McLoughlin. He has the number one quality you need with horses – patience. I knew his father as the family are local to us.

He’s a very good communicator. You can go into the yard and see the whole operation or if you ring him, he will get back to you sooner rather than later. It gives you confidence.

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

Most tracks have some facility for owners and trainers nowadays and a good standard of service is really essential.

For some reason at Limerick the owners and trainers room is tucked away and you can’t see anything out on the track which is not right.

What significance do your colours hold?

I always wanted a bright set of colours so that they are easy to see.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I go along jointly with Dermot to a yard to take a look. He usually sources them for me either from the breeder or someone else and then gives me a ring to say I have a horse that might suit you.

What I’m looking for is presence, an animal that stands out, has confidence. Mine are not overly big but they look the type that could jump a fence.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Captain Cj, Thunderosa and The Echo Boy.

What’s next on the agenda?

Captain Cj won at Navan in mid-February. We have options whether it will be the Irish Grand National or the Ryanair Gold Cup.Thunderosa is entered for the navanracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle today. We’re waiting for good ground for The Echo Boy.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

I have a six-year-old who I bought last year, Autumn Crusade. We thought he was going to be good.

Unfortunately in his last point he was kicked by a horse who slipped on a bend and my horse’s cannon bone was fractured.

I have just been back to the vet with him to get the plate taken out but that has been put back for a while.

That’s what can happen with racing.

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

It’s so hard for the small trainer and Dermot works so hard.

The thing is he loves it, absolutely loves it.

I think these changes to the race programme which give chances to the smaller trainer are to be welcomed.

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

A lot of people join syndicates to get a taste of it which can be a good thing. But I prefer to be on my own. I would encourage anybody to give it a go.

Horses … what can I say? They kind of get into you and it’s very hard to get away!

Fidelma Toole was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.