Our series on racehorse owners continues with Kieran Guinness

Kieran Guinness is a cattle breeder, chairman of the Westmeath Foxhounds and joint-owner of the Dunlewey Connemara ponies

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

In the late ‘80s I bought a few mares to breed from for point-to-points. None of them were any good except for one, Lady Easton. She won and was placed point-to-pointing. She was by Oats and out of a Continuation mare. Frankie Kiernan, who worked for me, rode her and trained her and and he has bought and trained other horses for me.

What was your best day at the races and why?

Arkle beating Height O’Fashion in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in 1964. It was an amazing race. Arkle won by one length but he was giving away two and a half stone. I was 15 and wildly excited. There was a huge crowd, everyone wanted to see Arkle although no one knew what he would become. He had already won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

I think for most people it’s the expense. You can’t make money out of it and it should be for fun.

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

I usually go to Kilbeggan, just nearby. It’s very popular locally. I like when you get a video of the race if you win and/or a meal as well as the entry tickets and racecards. We won at Down Royal and we were looked after very well there.

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

The jumps because I’m involved. I don’t have anything for the flat. It suits me to breed them in May rather than in February as that fits in with the farming.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I have to know them as friends. Jessica Harrington, trainer of Duckweed, is a friend, as is Robbie Burns, who I’ve had two with, not currently racing. Also Frankie Kiernan, who has looked after all my horses but is sadly very ill.

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

I think the video of the race to the winning owner or any details like that are always appreciated. Keeping up the level of prize money is so important to encourage owners to keep in the business of racing horses.

What significance do your colours hold?

Easy to spot – I always see the yellow hat. I used to be good at the game Diabolo, a children’s game with spinning tops, and the black and white colours with the yellow hat were inspired by that.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I don’t buy, I breed my own and race some.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Duckweed with Jessica Harrington, Pipewort with Robbie Burns, and also Badano.

Duckweed is by Wolfe Tone, who was fourth in the Gold Cup when it was run at York instead of Ascot in 2005. I used him as he stood near here.

Duckweed is the common name for the genus Wolffia. Mertensia, Duckweed’s dam, is the name of a small blue flower so it all ties together. It’s a bit of fun naming these horses. And Mertensia was out of my winning pointing mare Lady Easton.

What’s next on the agenda for your horse?

Duckweek is in at Galway on Friday (yesterday, the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase).

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

Duckweed’s half-sister, she’s very smart, by Tobougg, who stands at Alistair Pim’s Anngrove Stud and won two Group 1s. She’s a foal and I’m looking forward to seeing how she progresses.

Everything else has wonky legs!

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

I don’t have any answers. Things could get very messy if you start to alter race conditions or impose entry restrictions. Make it a fun experience and encourage young people to go racing.

Pour everything into supporting the smaller owner to encourage them to keep going.

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

Do it for fun, not in the hopes of making or holding onto your money. It’s a huge interest and most racecourses are friendly places to have a good time.

Kieran Guinness was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton. Call 01 4051149 if you would like to feature in The Owner.

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 of the meetings are on www.irishracehorseowners.com