How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I previously owned a leg in a horse with some friends about two years ago and after that decided to buy one of my own. I didn’t grow up with horses but decided to have a go.

What was your best day at the races and why?

The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle in Listowel on September 11th last year. It was Brex Drago’s second win on the trot and on that occasion my whole family was there to enjoy the win with me.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

To date I cannot say I have experienced any major drawbacks. I have had a great year with Gavin Cromwell Racing. Six wins and seven places in the past seven months, so we cannot complain!

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

So far it would have to be Fairyhouse Racecourse. This is my local course and both my wife Juliana and I have always found the service in the owners’ lounge to be top-class.

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

I would have to say jumps. I find jump racing more exciting to watch and unpredictable.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

We have three horses currently in training with Gavin Cromwell Racing. They have a highly professional team where I can see my horses progressing. Gavin includes you in all his decisions and a great advantage for me is the open door policy, where I can visit the yard any time to see the horses in training. I would expect these qualities from any trainer.

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

I’ve had very good professional services with HRI and any racecourse management I’ve had dealings with.

What significance do your colours hold?

We have two accounts with HRI and the colours represent our home GAA colours. My wife is a Tyrone woman so one is red and white and the other is black and white representing Sligo where I am from originally.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

This is where I take the advice of my trainer, and fortunately for us the horses I bought in Newmarket last February have had success.

What horses do you currently have in training?

At present we have three horses in training.

Ming Dynasty and Brex Drago we bought at Tattersalls February Sale.

Ciao we got in December last year.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Ming Dynasty is entered at Haydock today (the Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle). And Brex Drago is entered at Fairyhouse on Monday (the Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle). I’m planning to go to both tracks.

Ciao is having a bit of a rest.

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

Yes I have a filly being broken in at the moment that we bought just over a year ago in Newmarket.

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

We’re fairly new to the game and we’ve been very, very lucky. I don’t feel I have anything to complain about. We’ve had six or seven winners over the course of eight months.

I’ve followed racing my whole life and I know it’s not always like this. Long may it last.

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

Go for it. That feeling you get when your horse crosses the line first is very hard to beat.

Martin Hannan was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton