How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I started off about 15-20 years ago with Leslie Laverty and David Laverty in Tandragee in Co Armagh. I am an owner/breeder, I enjoy the breeding side of the sport.

What was your best day at the races and why?

The days that I win! Freda’s Choice won a couple of races and also Oakfield Rose. She was going to be a broodmare but sadly broke a leg.

Ty Rock Brandy, who I have a half-share in with David Laverty, won at Dundalk in March and also at Wolverhampton. Annabelle Rock, who I bred, has won three times at Dundalk.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Spending the money! It’s a very expensive game – not just the training but the vets fees, entries, transport costs, farrier fees.

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

Dundalk – I really enjoy racing at that track. It’s easily accessible and there’s no problem with parking. And you get a great dinner for very little money.

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

I’m not overly fond of jump racing or point-to-pointing, I think it’s hard on horses. I would rather the flat.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Ado (McGuinness) is a gentleman and does a grand job. He prepares the horses well and looks after them perfectly. The stables are always very clean. If I call him and he can’t answer, he rings me back in five minutes. He’s a good communicator.

I know I can trust him and what he does, he does well.

Stephen (Thorne, assistant trainer) is a good lad.

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

Well, the big issue that concerns me and my horses, as well as plenty of other owners of course, is the state of the track at Dundalk.

As has been well documented, the surface is in need of refurbishment. It’s 12 years old and has had a lot of use in different weather conditions.

The authorities say there are no welfare issues but I hear trainers talking about their horses being sore.

What significance do your colours hold?

I like red and white. I got them easily.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I like a strong, straight well balanced horse. I usually get somebody to buy for me.

I had Annabelle Rock in a breeze-up sale last year but I didn’t get a bid so I brought her home and now she’s doing well.

I tried to sell her mother, She’s A Queen, last year but couldn’t get a bid. She’s just had a big colt foal, 68kg, by Dandy Man so I’m delighted.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Annabelle Rock and Ty Rock Brandy and a three-year-old who hasn’t run yet, a nice big horse not yet named.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

I’m not sure. I might sell them on. I’ve got too many.

Ado and I will be going along to the July sales and put some money out to try and pick a real good one.

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

I have a yearling by Prince Of Lir who I bred. Everybody fancies that sire at the moment.

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

Money dictates every sport and it’s disheartening to run your own horse against three or four or more in the same ownership. That multiple entry by one owner should be curtailed somehow.

It takes the wee man to keep racing going.

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

Don’t start unless you have a lot of money and I mean a lot of money. I have spent many thousands and I will never get any of it back.

But racing is as good as any other sport to have a bit of fun. You have to do something for a bit of a hobby.

You’re only here for a short time.

Tom Heatrick was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton