How did you get into racehorse ownership?
I grew up around working horses in Kildare and further along the line I got involved with some syndicates.
What was your best day at the races and why?
September 11th this year when Ardhoomey won the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend. It was a terrific day and we were all there.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
Slow horses, bad luck and injury.
In your experience, which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?
The Curragh. The owners’ lounge marquee they have been using before closing for redevelopment is an excellent facility. Navan and Leopardstown also look after owners well. I have noticed a change in the way owners are treated with slow improvement.
You get meal vouchers if your horses are running and an email telling you about the owners’ facilities available. All of the courses don’t do this; what every owner needs is useful information and attention making you feel part of the day’s racing.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Jumps for thrills and spills. The flat is also exciting if you have a good runner to follow as we have with Ardhoomey.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
Honesty and hard work. We are happy with Ger Lyons our trainer. I have visited the yards where my horses have been trained over the years.
I like to see the horses work. My interest is almost more in the horse than in racing
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
Maybe free entry to all meetings in the year if you are a registered owner that year.
A free pass would be a nice perk and could involve bringing guests who are prepared to spend money on track.
How do you feel owners are treated when not having a winner?
I don’t really expect much if you don’t have a winner. The winner takes all.
What significance do your colours hold?
None really, I just liked them and I got first choice.
How did your syndicate get its name?
Moyville – it’s my house name.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
I have a big interest in the sales and you should be your own judge. I like a nice head and an easy mover.
I have a strong interest in pedigrees and I do my homework before I go. I have a budget and see what happens on the day. But I stick to that figure always.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Ardhoomey, who I bred. We had his full-brother Angel Of Joy but he is sold.
What’s next on the agenda for your horse?
We thought we might be going to the Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita but that didn’t work out. The plan is to target some of the good sprints in the UK next year.
Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. young/unbroken horses)
I have a few young stock but it’s early days yet. I keep them at home. It’s great to have them around the place and it keeps the expenses down.
What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?
The way I look at it, whether flat or National Hunt, ask any owner or trainer, Irish racing is very competitive. It’s nearly impossible to race against O’Brien or Mullins, they have such numbers and are so dominant.
On the other hand if you exclude certain owners and horses from racing it can be construed as anti-competitive.
It’s nice to have a horse involved but it’s too costly just to have one running as a hobby. You have got to have one that can win back some prize money.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
Again it depends on your budget. Don’t jump in at the deep end. Give it a try in a small way for a while and know what you are doing. Be informed. But remember syndicates are a slow way to get rich and being a sole owner is a quick way to get poor!
If horses are in your blood give it a try. Owning and racing horses is something you can’t explain but maybe that connection is being lost as people move away from the land.
At the smaller flat meetings you don’t get much of a crowd so the racecourse managers put on a mixed card which the trainers hate. The going is bound not to suit horses from one or the other code but they are popular with people. It’s a tough business.
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John Quinn was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton. If you would like to feature in The Owner please call 01 4051149.
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 posted on www.irishracehorseowners.com and will also be listed in the new AIRO magazine, which will be sent to all members.