THERE are six in the syndicate, four Dubliners and two from Limerick. Three members met up in the 80s through the Winning Post Syndicate, the other three were picked up along the way! The syndicate would like to pay tribute to jockey Dylan Robinson who has struck up a great relationship with our multiple winner Tellthemnuttin.
How did you get into racehorse ownership?
I first got involved when I read an article in The Irish Field in the late ’80s that Sue Bramall, who had just moved over to Ireland, was setting up the Winning Post Syndicate with her partner Mike Stanners, which I duly joined.
It turned out to be a successful and fun syndicate, with many winners in both Ireland and England. This was my introduction to the game of horse racing.
What was your best day at the races and why?
Luckily enough I have shared many good days with both the Winning Post Syndicate and now the Heads or Harps Syndicate. The most memorable was Heemanela, trained by Sue Bramall winning at the Galway Festival (2002) and of course when winning on Derby day, paying 99/1 on the Tote!
The six wins that Tellthemnuttin has clocked up recently have been very special.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
The many positives outweigh the negatives in a game where luck plays a major part.
In your experience, which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?
Over the past two years I have seen great improvements in hospitality for owners in the majority of courses. Of those most recently visited, I would mention Punchestown for their new owners’ festival pavilion, where lunch was provided.
Downpatrick Racecourse, where lunch is also provided and a complimentary DVD is given to winning owners, along with Down Royal, for their new owners’ pavilion and their complimentary photo for winners, should be complimented
Wexford offers excellent hospitality to winning owners.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Jump racing for me, which I jokingly refer to as the real racing. I find the jumps a lot more exciting and there is nothing like a day at a point-to-point.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
In two words – honesty and integrity. You need a trainer to tell you as it is. We find our trainer William Codd has both of these qualities. That is why the Heads or Harps Syndicate has enjoyed a long, successful and fun partnership, both on the track and the point-to-point circuit.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
It would make for a more enjoyable experience if owners were offered a table and lunch.
It is also a nice touch to receive a complimentary DVD and photo when winning.
What significance do your colours hold?
Our colours green, white and orange were picked because of being our national colours and for them to be worn to victory in Cheltenham one day – it would save us having to bring a tricolour with us.
How did your syndicate get its name?
We named the syndicate the day we were buying our first horse. We could not decide between two horses so we tossed a coin, hence the name Heads or Harps.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
We leave the buying to the professionals as we have learned that the tossing of a coin does not work. We have found that leasing a horse is a more cost effective option; having leased our last three horses, the experience of this has been very positive.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Our current horse Tellthemnuttin has won six races for us over the last 12 months. She is on lease from a good friend and an original member of the Winning Post Syndicate, Billy Devereux, who bred her.
What’s next on the agenda for your horses?
We would like to think that Tellthemnuttin would be capable of going for a big pot in Galway.
We went to Galway last year but her race was over at the second hurdle when badly hampered. We really think that she would loving coming up that hill, after that who knows where she might bring us as she is such an improver.
What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?
More prize money for the lower grade horses would be a big plus as this is the grass roots of the game and where many trainers are finding it hard.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
I would recommend people to join a syndicate first to learn the game and also to share the craic and sometimes the pain with fellow members. Always remember that all hobbies cost money.
Eamonn Fahy was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton
The AIRO have secured free entry for members to the Curragh on Sunday, July 2nd, featuring the Pretty Polly Stakes.
Contact Ciara Doyle at the Curragh on 045 441205 by Monday, June 5th to book. tickets.