How did you get into racehorse ownership?

Most of my pals at Cambridge University were into horses and that is where I got the bug. As soon as I could afford a horse I bought one in 1977 after my bank manager recommended a trainer!

What was your best day at the races and why?

I had some great days with Celtic Swing and Royal Rebel but I think my happiest day was at Pontefract in 1987 when Chaplins Club won his seventh race in 18 days, by a short-head carrying 10st 4lb in the 2.45pm at Pontefract having won the 8.45pm at Ayr the night before carrying 10st 3lb – also by a short-head!

He was a remarkable horse who twice won nine handicaps in a season before they had all year round racing.

When the horsebox pulled into the yard to take a horse racing and he was not put on the wagon, he would sulk in the corner of his box with his ears back all morning!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Knowing you will win roughly only one race out of 10 … if you are lucky!

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

Having only this year returned to owning horses in Ireland after 15 years, I am not the best person to judge, but I must say that the facilities for owners at all the tracks I have been to this year have improved enormously in that time.

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

Flat by a mile, partly because I tend to be in a warmer climate in the winter, although I do love the Cheltenham, Leopardstown and Punchestown Festivals.

For me, the choice between flat and jumping is like the difference in athletics between the 100 metres and the 3,000 metre steeplechase.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Depends on the type of horse as I think most trainers are better with certain types of horses than others. But I like trainers who are honest about their horses’ abilities, are good communicators and above all have a natural affinity with horses.

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

Keep improving the quality of the food they offer till it is as good as their main restaurant.

What significance do your colours hold?

None really. I chose them because they are easy to spot. People think I chose them because I must be a West Ham, Aston Villa or Burnley supporter but I have always been a Manchester United supporter (for my sins recently!).

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

The head, the outlook, the walk, the conformation, the pedigree – in that order.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Chasing The Dawn and Dancing On A Dream in Ireland and Passing Fashion, Bella Brazil and two unraced two-year olds in England.

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

I have upgraded the stallions I have used on my mares in the past three years and have some Australias, Camelots, some by Gleneagles and a Caravaggio to look forward to.

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

More variety in the race programme with more auction races, more claimers and more fixtures – the field sizes justify an expansion of the fixture list.

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

Be willing and able to write off the purchase cost of the horse and at least a year’s training fees – you may have no choice!

Peter Savill was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.