How did you get into racehorse ownership?

We set up the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate during September 2017. Johnny Maher was the prime mover behind it. He and I sold the shares.

What was your best day at the races?

The best day so far was when our syndicate horse Mokhalad won at Dundalk last December 21st. It was a brilliant four days before Christmas. Mokhalad made a lot of people’s Christmas that night! It was also a lifetime ambition fulfilled for the syndicate members.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

We have been lucky so far, we haven’t had too many. I suppose in a syndicate environment it’s trying to manage hopes and expectations.

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

We have raced at Leopardstown and Dundalk. Both are excellent for the owners.

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

We would be massive jumps fans, however, Mokhalad has converted us and it’s a 50/50 now.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

He/she has to be open, honest, realistic and a good communicator. Thankfully Damian English has all those qualities and many more.

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

I think all tracks should have an individual area or lounge for owners. I think that the Wi-Fi on tracks needs to be improved.

I also think more badges should be available to owners. Sometimes, between partners and syndicate members, we could bring up to 20 people with us to the races.

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

The show moves on – that is the game. I think the owners’ area/lounge would give the connections some place to go to deal with the aftermath of a race.

What significance do your colours hold?

Our colours are the corporate colours of our website www.galaxyhorseracing.com. It is a racing subscription service.

How did your syndicate get its name?

You could say the name is inspired from reaching for the stars for global success! But it has a good ring to it.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Johnny Maher and I look at the chart of the horse first and then visit the horse. We did that when we bought Mokhalad. We recently bid for a second horse and carried out the same process. Our bid was turned down. We are in the market for a second horse right now.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Mokhalad, a son of Dubawi out of a Kingmambo mare called Model Queen, and our trainer is Damian English.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Mokhalad will have a run in the next few weeks at Dundalk and then head to Leopardstown on turf in April.

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

We don’t have another horse as yet as our offer was turned down for a second one a few weeks ago. We have been contacted about two horses that are for sale and are currently looking at the possibility of taking one of them.

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

I think a good move would be to take some prize money from the big group races on the flat. The same goes for Grade 1 in the jumps. The idea would be to filter that money down to the lower tiers. I also would look at a second all-weather track based somewhere in the Midlands. If that’s not feasible, give Dundalk 12 extra fixtures straight away using the prize money taken from the group races.

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

Do your homework thoroughly, understand that what you are shooting for is not easy. When you go to the races with your horse, go with that attitude. We want the horse to have a positive experience, no such thing as the last race. The number one priority of our syndicate is always the safe return of Mokhalad and the jockey on the day, anything else is a bonus. If you go with that attitude you won’t go far wrong.

Derek McGeehan was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.