How did you get into racehorse ownership?

When I was 18, a former girlfriend got me a very small share in a filly called Zimbali, with Milton Bradley. She wasn’t very good but I was hooked from that day. I then spent student loan payments on various other shares of horses, which didn’t end well!

What was your best day at the races and why?

Beach Bar winning at Dundalk after going off at what seemed like an insane early pace and holding on comfortably was very enjoyable.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The financial cost is obviously the biggest drawback, especially for the smaller owners. It’s hard to really have the patience and time to put into a long-term project as a small owner knowing the cost involved. The return in Ireland however, is much better than in the UK where I also have shares in a few horses.

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

I’ve only been to Naas and Dundalk as an owner and I was impressed with the facilities at Naas.

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

Definitely flat, as a punter, I find it easier to assess the form and it generally provides more competitive racing.

As an owner, I wouldn’t fancy having jumps horses given the domination by a few large owners which makes it tricky. You still see big handicaps and pattern races at festivals on the flat being won by syndicates and small owners but less so over jumps nowadays.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Someone that understands the probabilities involved with racing and is willing to try new things and not stick to the status quo.

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

I think the catering offered could be improved at most racecourses.

What significance do your colours hold?

None, really!

How did your syndicate get its name?

It’s named after Mount Koya in Japan where I went on holiday a few years ago.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Something that has shown form in the past but has lost its way for the trainer.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Beach Bar, T For Tango and Undeniable Fact. I’ve also got shares of a few in the UK.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Beach Bar is likely to be back for an autumn campaign, Undeniable Fact is a two-year-old filly who should make her debut in the coming weeks and we’ve just bought T For Tango. He was disappointing last time at Leopardstown but but we think front-running didn’t suit him. We’re trying him over five furlongs at the Curragh today. He’s likely to improve next year too.

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

Undeniable Fact is a filly we aquired at the breeze ups that Kevin and Anna Ross picked out for us. She is pleasing Richard (O’Brien) and we think she might be up to winning a backend maiden when the ground eases.

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

I’d like to see more series races where there are qualifiers and a big final for horses rated below 75. It’s a concept that works well in the UK.

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

Get advice from other owners, find a trainer you get on well with and try to avoid following the crowd.

David Haddrell was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton