How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I got involved over 10 years ago with friends in Cork and we had a horse called Rebel Royal with Robert Tyner. He won his point-to-point but niggly injuries kept him off the track and the syndicate was dissolved.

I co-founded a new syndicate with Darren Coleman with a low budget and high expectations and asked Robert to buy us an unbroken gelding at Goffs sales. Darren came up with the name, One In A Milan, as his sire was Milan, and he gave us our first taste of success, winning his maiden in Naas. We subsequently sold him and we had to change the syndicate name so with a minor change to One In A Million, we bought Vicangelome, our current horse.

What was your best day at the races and why?

I’d say January 4th 2014 when Vicangelome won his bumper in Mallow at first attempt and we started dreaming of Cheltenham glory. I was especially happy as I had just started dating Ann and I think she was impressed to be at the races with a successful owner.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The waiting and the setbacks. Both our horses were bought as unbroken youngsters. It takes a lot of time breaking them in and readying them for their racing careers. It’s very exciting when you go to see them run in their first point-to-point and try to gauge how good they may be.

Horses are magnificent animals but they can be very fragile and small niggly injuries blight their careers, much to the disappointment of all involved.

Another drawback is lads at work asking: “Is he going to win next Saturday Pat?’’

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

Unless you are the winning connections, you get no special treatment as an owner, bar a complimentary racecard and admission to the owners and trainers bar. When we won at Mallow, and most recently at Naas, we were looked after very well, and it certainly adds to the occasion.

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

Without doubt National Hunt. Watching good horses pinging their hurdles and fences at race pace is heart in the mouth stuff and very entertaining. Okay the falls and injuries to horse and jockey are a downside, but nothing beats a good day’s racing during the winter months, just look at the attendances at Leopardstown and Limerick during Christmas.

I think there is more skill too from the NH jockey in positioning their horse in a race and getting the horse to jump well.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I think a prospective owner should take note when a trainer buys an unknown quantity in a young unbroken horse and can turn it in to a race winner. That shows great judgement, particularly on a limited budget such as ours. Both horses Robert bought for us won their races. It’s very important to have honesty and fairness from both trainer and owner in order to have a good relationship. I have been involved with Robert over 10 years and have found him to be very fair and open and not build false promises. I wish he would tell me our horse was working like a 140 hurdler and will win by six lengths next time out!

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

I think a simple drink or lunch voucher for all competing connections would be a good start.

How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?

Non-winning owners are just numbers in the crowd by and large. I don’t expect VIP treatment but a meal or drink would be nice. Owners often travel long distances to the track and often go home disappointed, so a small gesture would help.

What significance do your colours hold?

Quite simply, the Cork boys got their way with the red and white stripes and I had to settle for the black cap due to my connections to Kilkenny where I am originally from. On the other hand, I tell them that I am their racing manager who gets all the hassle for no pay!

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I look for Robert’s phone number and call him. Denis and Darren in the syndicate tried to pick a horse in Doncaster a few years ago. Thankfully Robert steered them away from the ones with long ears and short legs which were destined for Blackpool beach. Denis loves French-breds, hence we got Vicangelome.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Just the one for now. More success would bring the possibility of a second horse. I would like a Galway horse to get me through summer.

What’s next on the agenda for your horse?

Whatever Robert decides. We have the option of handicap hurdles or chases, hopefully later this month.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

For now, we are hoping Vicangelome stays sound and gives us the winning experience again.

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

If thinking of becoming an owner through a syndicate, ensure all members have the same expectations before getting involved. Patience is a must, as well as the capacity to take setbacks and disappointments in your stride as this happen to all racehorse owners. Talk to other owners and be well informed, but above all, be lucky.

Pat Brophy was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton