How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I first got involved about 1987 and have had something in training ever since then. However, it took until 1995 to have my first winner in partnership with a few friends. He was called Moon Man and was in training with Tom Foley in the halcyon days of Danoli.

Moon Man won his first two bumpers and unfortunately broke a leg, He was potentially top-class and it got me hooked.

I remembered meeting the late Paddy Mullins, in the company of Mags (Mullins), and telling him I had my first winner after eight years and he lamented in his droll humour that it was about 10 years too soon as he regarded owners that had success early to be the least appreciative. So I served a good apprenticeship of disappointments.

What was your best day at the races?

I have been lucky to have had some great days, winning the Irish Grand National in Fairyhouse and English Midlands Grand National both within a fortnight in 2002 with the The Bunny Boiler in a small syndicate of four friends.

I had also some great days with young horses particularly with Mags Mullins but now find that bumper/point horse are too expensive.

In latter times winning a Group 3 on the flat in August at Tipperary with Waitingfortheday was an unbelievable thrill. She has won seven in the past 20 months at six different tracks. On that day it also gave me my 60th win as an owner including the ones with friends.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The obvious drawbacks are the costs. I now try to involve friends in order to spread the costs. I also try and sell the younger stock after a run.

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

The offering at most courses have improved greatly. Kilbeggan, Ballinrobe, Gowran Park and Downpatrick are a breath of fresh air. The Grade 1 tracks are excellent. It sad to say the two Kerry tracks as an owner have much to improve on with regards to pricing and offerings.

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

I have had such a run with Waitingfortheday that it appears the flat should be my number one, but I have a great grá for pointing and National Hunt.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Any of the trainers I have had horses with over the years I would consider friends. All are very professional nowadays and once I entrust a horse with them, I leave them to get on with it.

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

The main improvement we need is a unified hospitality offering from all the racecourses, just a choice of two main courses and a drink voucher. It brings friends together for a chat. If this offering was the standard at each course there would be no misunderstanding or disappointment.

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

I think we all understand that resources are scarce and only so much can be done. Maybe connections of the first three could be brought for refreshments post race.

What significance do your colours hold?

I tried to get black and amber at the time and they weren’t available so the second choice was the colours of the county I was born in – yellow and blue.

How did your syndicate get its name?

The Usual Suspects is the name of the syndicate that I had most success with. The name has no more sinister conations than the year the movie was launched 1995 which coincided with the year the syndicate was formed.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Generally they are homebred or purchased as young stock. I always buy one with a good walk and am not overly fussy about the sire. The dam having ability or excellent breeding is something which has worked for me.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Waitingfortheday with Joseph O’Brien, Dunbar and Collo Meo with Eoin Doyle and Doi Suthep with Tony Mullins.

I have three yearlings breaking who will go to trainers in January. Most are in partnership with friends and family.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Waitingfortheday has been a great mare to have come from a rating of 57 and win seven times.

She was in the Goffs boutique sale before racing at Leopardstown on Saturday last, was just short of reserve and did not sell, and returned to the Curragh the following day to run in the Group 2 Moyglare Blandford Stakes, finishing fourth, beaten just three lengths, to the very exciting Tarnawa.

She is terrific four-year-old, runs every few weeks and seems to be improving with every run. By Elzaam, she’s from a very good old German line that produces top-class racehorses over many decades, loves fast ground and distances between six and 10 furlongs.

Waitingfortheday may run a couple more times this season and this might well be overseas.

On the other end of the scale, Doi Suthep hopefully might collect a low grade handicap and I think his forte may be over hurdles.

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

I really like a horse called Collo Meo. He is a big good looking son of Jeremy that got tired on awful ground on his only run. He is only four and we will give him time to mature.

Samba Dancer is a nice four-year-old that had a few runs in points; he will improve a lot and go to the track.

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

One of the only ways to protect the small owner and trainer is to limit the amount of horses allowed by any one owner or trainer in races valued say €15,000 or more.

In any sport, one country is not allowed to have additional quota or multiple athletes in the European or Olympic Championships. The same rationale should be applied to horse racing. This may also help the allocation of horses to smaller trainers.

I think it is time to introduce three-year-old bumpers as so many National Hunt horses are been broken as two-year-olds. It would give National Hunt owners an additional sales avenue. It would take the pressure off a certain type of horse that may not be advanced enough for points as four-year-olds.

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

The best way to start off is with a number of friends where it can be affordable. Get good advice from reputable people in the industry.

John Dollard was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.