How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I had a good friend in the late Fr Sean Breen and he roped me into a little syndicate many years ago. We didn’t have any success but we still enjoyed the experience and held regular strategy meetings.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Plans don’t come to fruition. I would have loved to get the mare (Lagostovegas) to Cheltenham but unfortunately she just tweaked her back in Leopardstown and is on the easy list. “This time next year” as Dell boy says.

What was your best day at the races and why?

Winning in Naas (my local track) with all my immediate family present was such a thrill. Seeing the family photo in The Irish Field the following weekend also gave some satisfaction.

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

The new facilities in Leopardstown are fantastic.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Horses are for enjoyment. Your trainer should enjoy what they are doing and want you to enjoy it. Harry (Kelly) is extremely enthusiastic and ambitious but he gets the thrill from the horses running well and is invested in each horse as much as the owner.

I also respect any trainer who tries to do what’s right for the horse, I would have aimed for a nursery with Lagostovegas after her three runs as a two-year-old but Harry said she needed time to strengthen. I took his advice and we have been rewarded.

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

Jump racing, it’s more exciting.

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

I think the improvements at Leopardstown are terrific. I know the regional tracks don’t have the same income but they are endeavouring to keep standards up.

What’s next on the agenda for your horse?

Unfortunately as I said she got a little knock in Leopardstown, all appears fine but Harry just wants to give her a few extra weeks recovery, she might be fit again for Punchestown or thereabouts. She is a smashing big filly and Harry doesn’t see a need to rush her and wants to give her time.

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

I don’t think you want to be fussed about the day you don’t win.

What significance do your colours hold?

Being a proud Galway man, the maroon and white had to feature and my wife is from Tipperary, hence the blue and yellow stripped cap.

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

In the same way as there are races restricted to opportunity riders and certain races for riders who have ridden less than a certain number of winners in the last 12 months, perhaps there could be a maiden hurdle and a beginners’ chase each week in the winter for trainers who have had less than 15 NH winners in the previous 12 months.

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

I have a two-year-old Requinto half-brother of Lagostovegas in pre-training. Like all his generation at this point in the year we have great hopes.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Lagostovegas is with David Harry Kelly.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I take advice from people who have a lot more knowledge than I have.

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

Do it – it’s a fantastic feeling when all your planning and hard work pays off. Obviously the trainer and their team have some little to do with it as well.

John Donohue was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) have secured agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses for free admission to 107 race meetings in 2016 for owners who currently have a horse in training.

This is an increase of almost 20 on the number of meetings in 2015 and AIRO wishes to express its appreciation to racecourses.

Details of the meetings are posted on www.irishracehorseowners.com and will also be listed in the new AIRO magazine which will be sent to all members..