How did you get into racehorse ownership?

There’s nothing I am more passionate about than horse racing. I followed in my father’s footsteps as he took me racing everywhere with him. My Mum got into it as I gave her a share in the Irish horses with Gordon Elliott; she’s 97 and says it’s great to finally get paid for all the days she sat and was frozen in the Corrib Stand at Galway.

What was your best day at the races and why?

For me when Poormans Hill won his first race for us at Downpatrick in September 2017, Mum’s and my first victory in Dad’s old colours. For Mum it was when Samuel Pepys won the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree back in 1977.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Friends expecting rock-solid tips, horse injuries and lay-offs.

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

We are particularly fond of Down Royal and Fairyhouse.

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

I love jump racing because of the characters; Mrs C prefers the flat as she worries less about the horses.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Attention to detail and an ability to place a horse in the right race. After six victories in 15 weeks, no one will ever convince me there is a better man at this than Gordon Elliott.

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

There seems to be an assumption we have all been in this little club forever and have been to every owner facility in Ireland! I can’t tell you how many courses let you through the turnstile, give you a card, and say nothing else. If we heard the words “here’s a lunch or drink voucher and you go to this lounge to redeem it,’’ it would make all the difference in the world.

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

There is no treatment.

What significance do your colours hold?

My Mum and I use my Dad’s old colours. I registered them for us.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I have to say I rely a lot on my trainer or a jockey’s opinion if he/she has knowledge of a horse who has raced before.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Field Of Light and Poormans Hill, both with Gordon Elliott. I have a two-year-old filly in England.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Field Of Light is trying to get over a setback. We are looking for win number seven for Poormans Hill. He is probably the most improved horse in Ireland having gone up 53lbs since September 2017.

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

I have an unnamed two-year-old flat filly in England with Richard Hannon.

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

Can we up Gigginstown and J.P. McManus-owned horses by two stone each!

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

DO IT!

Vincent Caldwell was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton