How did you get into racehorse ownership?

My first involvement was with a horse called Alicebrook Lady owned by my late aunt Rosemary Swan. She was a five-year-old mare trained by C. P. Magnier with one win. Unfortunately, she got brought down in a hurdle race at Punchestown resulting in a broken back.

What was your best day at the races and why?

There have been one or two good days but the one that stands out was at Fairyhouse when Sam Bass won a Grade 3 hurdle (December 2011). All the syndicate members were present and the atmosphere was electric. There are quite a few syndicate members based in Trim.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The revenue required if your horse picks up an injury and not knowing if it will return to the racetrack.

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

I have had a good experience at a number of tracks so it’s difficult to single out one but I would say the hospitality shown by Fairyhouse recently was excellent.

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

National Hunt, you can race all year round.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

A hard-working individual who tells it as it is regardless of the situation.

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

In general courses have improved over the last number of years but food quality can vary a lot from one to the next.

What significance do your colours hold?

None, they were convenient at the time of having a runner.

How did your syndicate get its name?

It was the name of our first horse when we bought him.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

A young horse with a good temperament who has already shown some ability on the racecourse.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Prospectus is currently in training with Gavin Cromwell and Steel Wave with Willie Mullins.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Prospectus is a young horse who will be lightly campaigned. (Prospectus won at Fairyhouse on Wednesday. Dave Keena commented that they might not head to the Fred Winter at Cheltenham but could target the good races in Ireland. The two wins have paid for Prospectus and it just shows that the small owner can have a good chance. Agent Hamish McCauley bought him for 20,000gns at Tattersalls and recommended him to Cromwell.)

Steel Wave was purchased in December 2015 and has not run due to a tendon injury; fingers crossed he is due to return in April.

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

No, just the two above!

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

I think a better spread of prize money to the mid-week meetings might help.

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

It’s great to own a horse who will give you a day and possible win but you will require patience and a budget regardless of whether you are a sole owner or syndicate member.

Brendan Swan was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.

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