How did you get into racehorse ownership?
We bred Tintown Robin from our mare Tintown Lady who was out of our mare Temple Star. Temple Star also bred bumper winner Remainder Star. Tintown Flyer was another one bred by us who won a point-to-point
What was your best day at the races and why?
The best day at the races was October 22nd 2015 when our horse Tintown Rambler won his first chase (www.thurlesraces.ie Beginners Chase).
After all the horses we’ve had over the years and you have many that don’t get to the track or don’t work out when you get them there, it’s an amazing feeling when it comes right.
Another great day for us was when a horse we bred, Ossmoses, won the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock in 2006.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
Pressure – hoping they’ll go well. You need loads of patience as well as money. We have that extra dimension as we breed our horses and we want them to get blacktype and build up the family.
In your experience, which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?
We are not long enough racing to make countrywide judgements. There is always room for improvement and professionalism. Owners should be acknowledged and a presentation made and breeders should be rewarded as they are in France. It takes a long time to get a winner to the track if you are breeding whereas other owners can just buy into winning horses. Trophies of a horse’s head or a bowl with the winner’s name on it is always welcome.
At the end of the day, it’s the No 1 behind your horse’s form that is the best thing.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Jump racing - the flat is over too quick. Breeding National Hunt horses is part of our lives.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
The main thing is a trainer who can take care of your animals well and be honest and upfront if there is something wrong. The staff are very important and we appreciate the dedication of the staff at Vinnie’s (Halley) yard. It is not too far away from us so we can drop in to see our horses. He is a top-class trainer and the facilities he has invested in are second to none. We have great faith in him, he’s going places. He is a man who we say makes our dreams come true!
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
Give owners plenty of notice, a free cup of tea/coffee is welcome as is somewhere comfortable to sit. Keep on improving and put money back into facilities as well as ensuring tight cost control.
What significance do your colours hold?
I like the mauve markings and the white star makes them easier to see.
What’s next on the agenda for your horses?
Tintown Rambler is resting at the moment but will be back out chasing.
Tintown Robin was a good fourth at Clonmel last Thursday week. The ground went against him. But we’re not putting him away, he’s in good form. If the weather stays fine he should come out again maybe at Thurles.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
We are just breeding at the moment.
Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. young/unbroken horses
We have a Stowaway filly, a half-sister to Tintown Robin, who will soon be in training. Ray Coady comes in most days and does some road
work, which is great. Also a three-year-old Rule Of Law horse and two lovely colts by Arcadio.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Tintown Rambler and Tintown Robin.
What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?
I’ve heard people saying that they have given up on horses because of the big owners. If you limit races in any way, it’s anti-competitive. Compete and hope for the best, your horse doesn’t know what the one beside him has done or who owns it.
It’s a great feeling when you beat the big boys. Keep trying and hope your trainer will place your horse well so you can win a few pound back.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
You have to really love horses and have patience.
Julia Foran 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. Details are on www.irishracehorseowners.com