How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I got into racehorse ownership initially with my husband, Edmund, 30 years ago. Newly married, we had one share in the very first Pipe-Scudamore Racing Club. That is what was affordable to us. We joined a few other little partnerships both on the flat and over jumps until one day, I realised I could afford my own horse.

I lived in England then but was a fan of an Irish trainer in Lambourn, Noel Chance, who had just won his second Gold Cup. I bought my first horse with him – a filly who won a couple of races, and I eventually sent her to Kayf Tara, then in his second season as a stallion. I have loved Kayf Tara since that time.

I went on to have a solid Grade 2 horse with Noel who placed in the Arkle and Queen Mother (River City) and had another couple with him as well. Over time, I have had other horses in Britain with Alan King and Hughie Morrison but decided nearly five years ago to move my interest to Ireland. I now have horses with Henry de Bromhead, who has provided me with my first Grade 1 success with Special Tiara, and more recently, also with Jessica Harrington. I have on occasion put my toe in the pointing world with Pat Doyle.

What was your best day at the races and why?

Can I choose two best days? The first was River City winning his bumper at Ascot - the second race of his life and I was so surprised and overjoyed. And Ascot treated me, as a winning owner so well, total class. The other was Special Tiara winning the first of his two Grade 1s, this one at Aintree. We had planned for this race for six months and although he was the total outsider, I felt he was better than the market at 28/1. It was an exciting race as he fought so hard but won so well over the favourite and a strong field. And I love Aintree - the atmosphere, the track, the crowds and the team there are all fabulous. I used to think I wanted a Grand National horse, and so the romance with Aintree. But I know my nerves barely stand the two miles!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

I have been a very lucky owner but I have lost horses along the way too so you have to be able to deal with that heartbreak. You have promising horses that need time out for operations and you have promising horses that deliver little. You have horses that are fit and well yet need ground a certain way and it is bound to end up off that spectrum. So even with no heartbreak, any owner is bound to have setbacks and disappointments.

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

My favourite racecourse in Ireland must be Fairyhouse as they treat owners so well. But I love Punchestown as it is a gorgeous track with great viewing. Killarney also scores high on the scenery stakes!

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

My heart is with the jumps and I have owned many more jump than flat horses. But I have a nicely bred flat filly in training now (Shawami) and I hope she can conjure up a win to become a lovely broodmare. In November, I bought a beautiful Group 3-winning Sadler’s Wells mare (Precious Gem), who is in foal to War Command, so I am crossing everything that these flat ladies will get me going more on the flat.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

After decades in business, I have quite a strong personality. I also used to event and hunt so love my horses. For many trainers, this could be a lethal combination as I like to be involved and informed. Because the horses have never been in my back yard, the need to totally trust and respect my trainer is so important. Now that I am 9,000 miles and a 10 hour flight away, that honest relationship with ongoing and effective communication is critical. I am a big user of Whats App!

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

When I was living in Britain, I was on its Racehorse Owners Association Council and created the Gold Standard programme. The objective is to encourage racecourses to provide good facilities to all owners with runners on the day, plus their connections (trainers, jockeys and stable staff) as well as monitor horse welfare. I do not have the access to comment on anything other than this offering for owners in Ireland and there I would say many courses need to do better. Most owners will earn no prize money and so providing a nice owners and trainers box with some complimentary food and drink will at least ensure for a better feeling about going racing. I have attended over 50% of Ireland’s racecourses with a runner and I would reckon only a very small percentage of those would immediately tick that Gold Standard box.

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

In my experience, regardless of whether your horse places or is still running, there is no difference in how the racecourses treat the owner. That is to say that there is no recognition or thanks – focus is on the winning horse and connections and that is it. Naturally, a racecourse, particularly a small track, cannot offer champagne to every owner for every runner but depending upon the class of race, there could be some improvement there, especially for placed connections.

What significance do your colours hold?

Anyone who knows me can see the reflection in my colours, stars and stripes for my American roots but the blue is the shade of the Union Jack, representing what was my home for over 30 years.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I start with the catalogue. I love analysing the pedigrees and creating a short and a long list. But I know what I don’t know and I rely on the superior wisdom of others when looking at horses either in the field or at the sales. The two most helpful to me on site and over these last years have been John Lenihan, who owns Ballyogue Stud in Waterford, and Henry de Bromhead. I recently added to this core team with Jessica Harrington and Gerry Hogan.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Horses in training include Special Tiara, Motown Bob, Fintara, Shawami and Alletrix.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

The agenda is always very clear with Special Tiara. Next stop is back at Cheltenham for the Champion Chase and I hope that the ground improves and the Old Course will bring out a strong performance. After that, it could be Aintree or Sandown.

Motown Bob has run in bumpers and maidens against horses like Moon Racer, Nichols Canyon and Alpha Des Obeaux – very unlucky for us! He has come close over hurdles and fences without getting his nose in front. We are still trying to figure out his distance and find a win. As a half-brother to Josie’s Orders, maybe cross-country is his future?

Fintara so pleasingly won her bumper so she will now go hurdling. I am hoping Alletrix will have at least one race in her first season as she seems to be going well enough.

I bought Shawami last October and will be looking for some nice ground in the spring, probably over seven-furlongs. I hope she can nick a win or even two before she starts a new career.

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

I have three young guns – two by Flemensfirth and one by Yeats. Whether I trade them or race them myself, they are all lovely horses.

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

I am no expert on this but the Irish fixture list is very limited – perhaps it suits the size of the horse population. But it means that there are not many opportunities to race a horse - not only for bumpers or maidens on the flat but even the list of chases is not extensive. There are lots of ballots/reserves and the larger owners can have two, three or four horses in a race and may really dominate the field. While I believe the British fixture list is bloated, there should be some middle ground.

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

My advice is to first ensure you are equipped to own a racehorse, not only financially but also emotionally. Next, surround yourself with wise, honest people that you respect and trust, yet don’t be afraid to voice your opinion to make suggestions and to partner with your trainer in the ups and downs of horse racing. Finally, enjoy the privilege of owning a racehorse and treat every win as though it might be your last. Each moment is precious and should be savoured.

Sally Rowley-Williams 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.