How did you get into racehorse ownership?

A long time ago I was involved in a syndicate with a National Hunt horse in training with Albert Broad and from there I got the bug. Then my good friend and neighbour Paddy Byrne and I decided to start breeding. When you are breeding and not selling foals you have a collection of store horses.

Two of these stores have come good for us in 2018 and we now have Graineyhill, who has won three races, and his full-brother Steel Cap, who won first time out in a bumper.

What was your best day at the races and why?

My best day at races was this August in Sligo when Graineyhill won. I was down in Sligo on a golf trip with five other friends and they all backed the horse to win at 14/1. Sligo Race committee treated us very well and we had great celebrations with champagne.

It was also my daughter-in-law, Kelly’s birthday and my son Adrian and my three grandchildren were all there for the celebrations. Kelly takes a keen interest in our horses and has painted portraits of all our mares.

Together with Paddy Byrne and his son Michael who would have foaled the horse and looked after him right up to his racing career, we really had a wonderful evening.

What is the biggest drawback about being an owner?

The biggest drawback has to be the cost.

Which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best, and why?

In my experience it has to be Galway, who provided a free lunch and special owners’ area.

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

It has to be National Hunt for the excitement of jumping.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Somebody you know with a good track record, who keeps you well informed of how things are going and are always on the end of the phone if you need them.

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

I find HRI very good with tickets and meal vouchers. Perhaps if all racecourses could offer all owners free lunch on the day of racing like Galway, that would be a nice touch.

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

When not having a winner I suppose it does not really matter.

What significance do your colours hold?

The colours come from our family business TK Electrical and Alarms, white, red and black.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I think it is best to leave that to the trainer who you trust and who will know better than yourself.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Graineyhill and Steel Cap.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Graineyhill is coming back to run in a beginners’ chase and Steel Cap will run soon in a handicap hurdle, so fingers crossed!

Have you any horses to look forward to?

We have a nice Arakan filly with David Broad who is nearly ready to go into full time training with Gordon (Elliott).

She is second foal of Inca’s Article who is half-sister to Graineyhill and Steel Cap.

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

I would say maybe run more handicaps for lower rated horses or handicaps for horses with certain sale value or races for horses that are owner-bred.

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

The best advice would be to go to successful trainer and ask them to buy you the horse they think would give you a winner.

Tommy Kenny was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton