The Round Table Gang Syndicate consists of spokesman Declan Lavery, his mother Una Lavery, Mary Casey, Eddie Sommers, Padraig Mahon and Robbie Hennessy’s wife Seana. The syndicate has been in operation for about 10 years and was formed by colleagues at St Vincent’s Psychiatric Hospital in Fairview in Dublin. The syndicate didn’t have much luck with their horses until Robbie suggested they buy Magnetic Force who has since won five times for them.

What was your best day at the races and why?

We’ve had a good few winning days at the races and they were all great but the last one at Wexford was very special because he won so well. He won a two-mile handicap under Seamie Heffernan. It was also the first time my mother, who’s nearly 80, was there to see the horse win.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

We came to the conclusion there are very few drawbacks but the one thing we all mentioned was about the re-registration costs charged by HRI. They charge quite a bit, and while I can understand why there are initial registration costs, it stumps me as to why they charge huge fees year after year.

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

With Magnetic Force being a summer horse, we do most of our racing during those months at the smaller tracks – and they treat owners the best by far. Gowran have always been very good but Downpatrick is the best. They give owners a meal and a drink and it’s very comfortable. Facility-wise the tracks are all pretty similar. They’re putting investment in but more is definitely needed.

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

We’ve won on the flat but we’re unanimously jumps fans. It’s more exciting than the flat and we look forward to seeing the horses coming back year after year. Also, the jockeys are brilliant – they’re so brave, I’ve nothing but respect for them.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

We need our trainer to be hard-working and honest. Robbie makes you feel involved. He’ll ring about jockey bookings and tell you what’s happening with the horse. We’re welcome to call into his yard anytime and he looks after his horses very well.

What improvements could be made to racing in Ireland?

More investment in smaller tracks is needed to make the facilities there comfortable, warm and welcoming. Large tracks get big investment for their big days which is fair enough, but small tracks need it too.

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

Recent initiatives like free admission are very welcomed. But it is so difficult to get a horse placed in Ireland and you don’t get any acknowledgement for it. For years we were knocking on the door and finishing second time and time again, but we never received any acknowledgement from racecourses. The racing game in Ireland needs to hang on to its small owners.

What significance do your colours hold?

Our colours are red, white and black because we’re all (mostly) Manchester United fans! We’ve got hats and scarves in our colours for the colder days. We’re always so proud to see the colours we picked out on television.

What horses do you currently have in training?

We just have Magnetic Force on the books at the moment.

What’s next on the agenda for Magnetic Force?

He’s been brilliant for us and kept us involved in the game. Robbie has done brilliantly with him because he can be a bit quirky but Robbie’s managed to get him to win every year for us. We’ve won on the flat and a hurdle race with him, so I’d love to see him win a chase. He might go chasing next summer because he’s a good ground horse.

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

Have patience, because success doesn’t happen overnight. Know the costs involved, and celebrate the good days. It can be expensive, but it’s worth it.

AIRO has secured free admission on over 70 racedays this year for registered owners with a horse in training.

UPCOMING FREE DATES

Thurles November 27th

Tramore December 13th

Fairyhouse December 20th

Thurles December 21st

Down Royal December 26th

Limerick December 29th

Declan Lavery was in conversation with Joe Finegan