How did you get into racehorse

ownership?

It’s in the DNA. Both my father and grandfather certainly owned racehorses; and my father was involved in breeding. My grandfather’s best horse was probably Ballaghtobin which won the Irish Derby in 1915.

Ballaghtobin was trained by Joseph Hunter at Conyngham Lodge, the Curragh and the jockey was William Barrett. Ballaghtobin was bred by Chalenor Knox, one of the Gabbet family, still at Ballaghtobin, Co Kilkenny.

[On YouTube, a short news clip of the 1915 Irish Derby can be viewed].

What was your best day at the races and why?

The most exciting days were probably with Marcus Du Berlais. He won some good chases and was twice placed in the Irish Grand National, before being unseated in the Grand National on the second time around in the race won by Hedgehunter in 2005.

However I will never forget, as a schoolboy, seeing Arkle win the Leopardstown Chase in 1965. Tom Dreaper’s son Jim and I were at school together and there was always huge excitement when Arkle was running.

It was only years later that I met Willie Robinson, who rode Mill House in so many of the epic Arkle v Mill House challenges.

I have to say that both Jim and the late Willie Robinson should be numbered amongst the stars of National Hunt racing.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Currently not only not being able to go to the races but not being able to go and watch a horse in training.

In ‘normal’ times I think that while the ballot can be frustrating, one just has to roll with the punches and enjoy the game.

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

Punchestown takes a lot of beating, but I would also mention the racecourses in Northern Ireland and Ballinrobe. They are all friendly places. In fact March 17th 2020 was the last time I was on a track, at Down Royal, when owners were still allowed to travel.

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

Definitely National Hunt. I have so much admiration for the courage and skill of those jockeys. Many of them rode for us over the years, including Tom Taaffe, Conor O’Dwyer, Barry Cash, Davy Russell, Jane Mangan, Rachael Blackmore and Donagh Meyler.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Integrity and the ability to discuss plans.

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

Owners are the lifeblood of racing. Without owners there would be no trainers and no organised racing. They are in effect the ‘family silver’ of horse racing and should be carefully nurtured.

How do you think the current crisis will impact on racing in general and on ownership in particular?

I think it is difficult for the ‘small’ owner in particular. Such owners would go racing no matter what the weather just to see a horse run. Some may be put off from future involvement, but I think most will stick with what is a passion as much as anything.

What significance do your colours hold?

White and cyclamen. My mother’s colours which my father always maintained were luckier than his own.

How did your syndicate get its name?

I am not a member of any syndicates but have been in a number of partnerships with Richard and Athene Keatinge, Mary O’Connor and most recently Tim Murray. Tim is a real enthusiast and I suspect may have given Arthur Moore one of his first horses to train.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Sound advice from Arthur Moore and Kevin Ross; but I also always listen to my wife Edel.

Arthur has trained horses for us since the 1980s so clearly we like and respect him and his wife Mary.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Just Fag An Bealach, with Arthur Moore. She’s a lovely Stowaway mare. She won a bumper in Down Royal and has won a couple of chases. She has been lightly raced and as a seven-year-old we hope to have some good days out ahead.

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

Enjoy the ups and don’t be too disappointed with setbacks. Get a trainer you trust and be patient.

Get involved with a friend. It’s great craic.

Marcus Beresford was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton