How did you get into racehorse ownership?

My first horse was a syndicate horse with Julia Feilden in the UK, Meddling, and she won a few times and I got hooked. She went to the sales and I bought her. She is currently in foal to Bated Breath and I have her first foal, also by Bated Breath.

What was your best day at the races and why?

When Allegio won by 33 lengths in Cork this year breaking a long-standing flat record. (Allegio was the widest margin winner of a flat handicap in Ireland or Britain for at least 20 years when scoring by 33 lengths at Cork.)

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The cost, I suppose. Buying a racehorse is straightforward enough but keeping them sound and getting them to the racecourse is the costly bit.

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

Cork has been a lucky track for me and we always get looked after there but the facilities for owners at the top tracks in Ireland are fantastic.

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

I love the excitement of the jumps and it was jump racing that caught my interest from a young age as I lived in the same village as Charlie Swan. But flat is a close second.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Well all you want is for your trainer to be honest and answer their phone! When you give a horse to a trainer you know that they have the facilities and know-how to win.

It’s great when the winner means as much to them as it does to the owner.

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

To have more passes on racedays and also to have food offered for all the owners as that isn’t always the case.

What significance do your colours hold?

When I registered the colours I had just bought a horse called The Irregular with a friend Shaun Staplehurst here in the UK. He is a big Liverpool fan, hence the red and the green was for me being Irish.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I use a bloodstock agent here in the UK, Colm Sharkey. He’s originally from Limerick. He is a great guy, honest and knowledgeable and excellent at his job.

What horses do you currently have in training?

I have a good few horses with Denis Hogan, both flat and National Hunt, and I always have a few point horses.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

All the flat ones are on a holiday now and we are just getting going with some new horses we bought this year. Hopefully, we can pick us a good handicap or even a listed race next year.

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

I have an unbroken Bated Breath yearling which I am very much looking forward to seeing next year.

As I speak to you, I’m at the Newmarket sales buying more!

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

Be prepared to spend plenty of money, it’s not a cheap game to be part of. The good days are great and you must have plenty of patience.

There is nothing quite like the thrill of your horse winning, especially when you have your family and friends with you.

Ray Treacy was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton