Joanne Lavery, 25, has been one of the ITBA Next Generation Apprentices and has worked with her aunt Sheila Lavery, Goffs, Ballyhane Stud and is currently with BBA Ireland. She evented up to one-star and represents Ireland in polocrosse

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I started a pinhooking business and bought my first foals in 2016 and I was unsuccessful selling at the yearling sales the following year. I was disappointed when the first Red Jazz colt (Burgundy Boy) didn’t sell as I’d always loved him, but my aunt Sheila Lavery said to me: “I’d like to train him.”

I then was unsuccessful at getting the other colt (Danehill Quest) into the breeze-up sales so that was that. Sheila was going to train two horses of mine.

Last year my Dandy Man filly (Lady Kaya) didn’t make what I wanted. I got a call from an English trainer but she wasn’t quite going to pay what I wanted so my dad offered to buy into her and put her into training. I was very lucky I didn’t take the €12, 000 that was offered!

What was your best day at the races and why?

There was one day at Leopardstown last year when one of my horses, Burgundy Boy, was fourth to The Pentagon in a Group 3 that I will never forget - July 27th 2017, the JRA Tyros Stakes.

Being from Dublin, a few of my friends that aren’t into racing were there and we had a good dinner.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

When the lower rated horses keep getting balloted out.

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

I quite often lead up my own horses but I have had good days/evenings in Leopardstown. An area to go to and a nice meal is something that is hugely appreciated.

I’ve had experiences where people at the turnstiles look at me oddly when I say I am an owner, maybe because I look young, I don’t know!

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

I have mostly been involved in flat racing. I’ve had one horse run in my colours in a National Hunt flat race and there are definitely more privileges for flat owners in Ireland.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Attention to detail is very important. Not much gets missed with my trainer! (Sheila Lavery)

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

I like it that every racecourse offers four additional tickets. It just would be nice if they included an owners’ badge so that my guests can also come into the parade ring and the owners’ area with me. It’s hard to invite a group of friends if only half of them can join me in the owners’ area.

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

I still think there are plenty of privileges for an owner.

What significance do your colours hold?

Not much, I like the colour purple.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

A very important part for me, which Sheila taught me, is their eye. I look for a kind eye and a good walk. I generally decide in the first few seconds if I like a horse or not.

What horses do you currently have in training?

I sold Burgundy Boy last year so I have a three-year-old called Danehill Quest and my two-year-old, Lady Kaya.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Danehill Quest has just won in Killarney so will need to see what’s next for him. He’s entered in the John Sisk & Son Handicap over one mile, two furlongs on Saturday (today) but he might not get in. There are about 53 entered! He’s ready to run.

Lady Kaya was fourth in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes last time out at the Curragh having been a sensational winner on her previous outing last month in the Loder Irish EBF Fillies Race also at the Curragh.

My aunt was approached with offers for her, which we discussed. I was tempted but happy to get another run with her.

She didn’t love the ground in the Debutante though at one stage Robbie (Colgan) thought she would win but she didn’t go on.

She’s come out of the race great and next stop is the Moyglare on Irish Champions Weekend, hopefully.

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

Last year I partnered up with my boyfriend Chris Timmons and together we have three nice yearlings for the sales. I really like the Red Jazz filly out of Toolentidhaar.

I hope to be more successful at the yearling sales at Goffs this year.

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

More races for the lower graded horses. Trainers have these horses ready to run and don’t find out until the day before if they are going to get a run.

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

Get involved in a syndicate, that way you can have great days out at the races. It’s even possible to loan a horse which limits the risks for people.

If someone is looking to buy one, I encourage them to seek help from an experienced and knowledgeable person.

Joanne Lavery was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.