How did you get into ownership?

I’ve had racehorses since the age of 18 and was reared in racing. I did a bit of amateur riding when I was younger in bumpers and such. I loved spending time with horses. My father was a farmer and was master of the Ward Union, Tom Mangan, and my grandfather, also Tom, had pointers.

I was brought up with racing both sides of the family; my mother was Nan Ryan.

What was your best day at the races?

The win of Freewheelin Dylan in the Irish Grand National was the best result of my life but I didn’t get to go!

The best day was when he won his first point for me as owner at Moira on March 18th 2017. It was vindication for me buying him – he was good.

Dermot (McLoughlin) fully expected him to win even in the bottomless ground.

The way I bought him is interesting. My parents had died and left me a small amount of money. Another lady, Fidelma Toole, was going to buy Dylan and I bid on another horse who was Captain CJ. However, she bought Captain CJ and I bought this one. We got two good horses for handy money.

I firmly believe my parents are up above looking down on all of this. I never would have spent that sort of money on a horse other than I had their inspiration. They were absolutely with me on the day.

Dylan was bought privately through Dermot when I inherited that money.

I have been with him for six years.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

I never saw a drawback. Even to have a horse running is a pleasure. I’m not a gambler. I did back Dylan at 66/1, 100/1 and 150/1. I was a bit insulted when his price went out!

I would be old world when it comes to horses, very patient. I don’t want to run him too often, only when he’s in form and well.

Which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?

I’ve no preference, I have been treated well at all tracks. I enjoy racing at the smaller tracks where you get the personal touch. There were lovely people in charge when we ran at Kilbeggan.

The bigger courses, ones like Leopardstown are too business like for me.

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

Always the jumps! I follow all equestrian sports but National Hunt racing is my bit of heaven.

I have worked in flat racing, I spent some time at Santa Anita but that kind of racing is not for me. On holidays I have had good days at Goodwood and Newmarket and Doncaster.

What do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty is the best quality and approachability. I have worked for Jim Dreaper and Tony Martin and always had my own horse in training where I was working. They were all very good to me.

Dermot and I were both with Jim Dreaper; we have known each other so long he is a friend as well as my trainer. I have great trust in him.

Dermot didn’t want to run Dylan before the Irish National (previous run was at Punchestown last October) but wanted to keep him fresh and well. Coming up to the National, Dermot asked me how did I feel about running Dylan.

He is sound and shrewd.

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

Handier parking at some tracks would be good. There’s never any problem getting tickets and usually good food on the day. They can’t do more than that.

I’m easy to please. I want to be out looking at the horses not sitting around a table!

How do you think the current crisis will impact on racing in general and on ownership in particular?

Dermot’s owners have stayed loyal but naturally they are disgruntled that they can’t go racing.

Having got this far we can survive another couple of months until the vaccines mean we can get back to normal.

There is no point in owning a racehorse if you can’t see it run.

What can trainers or HRI do to encourage owners to keep horses in training at the moment?

It’s different for me as an owner as I am on hand, spending quality time with Dylan, seeing him working and jumping.

Dermot’s communication skills have improved. He has a young person in the yard helping him, videoing the horses, emailing and all that is required now. He’s up-to-date.

Owners have always been welcomed to the yard to see their horses working. They can’t come now of course unless they live close.

What significance do your colours hold?

I chose them because they are my favourite colours and nice and bright.

Freewheelin Dylan’s name came through Shane Donohoe who he was bought from. He always has Dylan in his horses’ names, Rolling Dylan is one.

Freewheelin suits him – he rolls along in a race. He loves jumping, we’re so lucky with that. He has been doing handstands since the National, like a lunatic, eating well. It does your heart good to see him.

A core part of my job is keeping all the horses eating well and in form so as they are ready to give their best in a race.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I like a good ear on a horse – I hate small ears. I like a good honest head and then I check the confirmation but if the horse hasn’t got a good honest head I won’t go for it.

I always look at the animal before I look at the page, athlete first and it’s a bonus if there is the breeding to back it up.

What horses do you have in training?

Apart from Dylan, myself and a friend Tara Giles Fahey have invested in a horse together, Howyated, who is with Dermot.

I’d like to get more of what I’ve had!

What’s next on the agenda?

Ted is due to come out soon. He’s shown enough promise. It’s proving hard to get Ted into a race, he’s been balloted out three times. One race he was being targeted for had 155 entered of which approximately 16 would eventually be running.

Freewheelin Dylan might run at Punchestown. He came out of the National well and he could get an entry if in form.

It will be a bit of fun, he has to do what he enjoys. It’s not about chasing money. Horses are athletes and if the ground is right, then he can run.

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

I don’t believe in altering the entry rules for different owners and trainers. I’m not keen on just small owner\trainer races where horses are not competing against the best or running their best. It’s not a level playing field.

The biggest problem for smaller owners, and we have a number of them in the yard, is that their horses can be waiting months to get into a race. They are balloted out and then the ground is wrong.

Put on more races to suit all horses not just the graded races, 50-60% of horses are at the other end of the scale. The demand is there for more racing.

If owners don’t get a chance to see their horses running, especially those new to the game, they will just lose interest and give up.

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

Get good advice. If you have friends in the business ask them for advice.

I have been lucky. I have a lot of knowledge but I have also listened.

Syndicates and clubs are great. We have sourced a nice horse for a syndicate of lady friends which was bought for the right amount. The horse doesn’t even have to win; the friends just enjoy seeing it run.

Tara and her husband who came in on Ted with me, it’s a good way for them to get involved and a big step-up for them. They are savvy business people but to date they don’t know much about racing. They are amused when they ask Dermot when will the horse be ready to run and he can’t give exact information. There isn’t the kind of structure they are used to in business but then we are dealing with animals, nothing is black and white.

Since the National, the amount of texts, WhatsApps and phone calls I’ve had is amazing, and flowers and cards are filling the house.

I couldn’t believe how much it touched other people.

Sheila Mangan was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton