How did you get into racehorse ownership?

Back in 1979, I feigned sickness at lunchtime in school, so I could get home to see Monksfield vs Sea Pigeon at Cheltenham. Beautifully executed plan by my Dad John, though there would have been big trouble if my Mam had found out. I’m hooked ever since!

What was your best day at the races and why?

Dysios winning at Leopardstown Christmas Festivals in both 2013 and 2015. A remarkable training performance by Denis Cullen, a gentleman. I’ve replayed the races a few times and to hear the great Des Scahill do the commentary is something I’ll treasure forever. I’ve also attended Melbourne and Breeders’ Cups, which have all being fantastic.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Apart from the obvious ones, horse injuries and lack of money (me), there really isn’t any. It’s a great game.

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

I suppose your view is steered where you’d had winners. So I’d have to opt for Leopardstown; however, Richie Galway at Punchestown and Tom Ryan at Naas both do brilliant jobs.

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

That’s an interesting question right now, with so much publicity about the ‘superpowers’ in the jumps game. They put their money in, so good luck to them and I wish them all the very best of luck.

I’m a die-hard jumps man, but I’m basically getting priced out of the game and I’m veering towards the flat in the past two years, where there seems to be more opportunities of getting a winner.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

An all-rounder. It’s ultimately an entertainment game, so knowing in advance where we might be running, so we can plan accordingly is important. Having the craic and a few drinks, win or lose is great. If it’s not fun, forget it.

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

To be fair, I think most of the racecourses have upped their game. But sometimes when the horses run, we’ll have extra family and friends join us and a lot of racecourses reluctantly will give more tickets and sometimes at half price. That can’t be right when you look at what owners put into the game.

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

The likes of Navan and Leopardstown are making a big effort for owners with lunch vouchers etc. With a wife and three kids, who always come racing, that helps. We had a winner down the country a few years ago and didn’t get offered as much as a cup of tea.

What significance do your colours hold?

Green and white are the colours of our logo for my business E-Auctions. The style of the silks were picked by the eldest kids, Sam and Katie.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

It depends on what your aim is. I’ve gone down the foals, yearlings, stores, horses-in-training route. Pretty much the lot at this stage. If you want runners and the day out, probably the horses-in-training is the best way but I leave all that up to the trainer – horses for courses as they say.

What horses do you currently have in training?

I currently have Dysios in training with Denis Cullen, who has done a great job. Dysios has been a great servant and has won four times under both codes. I have been involved with David Marnane and the Global Equine Syndicate over the past two years. It was a great training feat by David for all three horses to win for the syndicate. I also have Zylan, who was claimed at Dundalk, and he will be trained by David for a flat campaign this year and run in my colours.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Dysios will hopefully run in a novice handicap chase in Naas on February 21st. Zylan is on a break and will hopefully start back in April/May.

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

In the fear that the wife might read this, I’d have to answer no! Which is currently true but generally changes when the bar at Goffs gets into full swing at the sales.

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

Probably start off small and see if it’s for you. Aside from that, patience, great ability to withstand adversity and plenty of readies.

Kieron Gammell was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.

AIRO has secured free admission for registered owners with a horse in training.

February dates Dundalk Friday 12th Clonmel Thursday 18th Dundalk Friday 19th Dundalk Friday 26th

MARCH dates Downpatrick Wednesday, 2nd Clonmel Thursday, 3rd Gowran Park Saturday, 5th