A NATIVE of Killarney, Co Kerry, Con Cronin is a chartered surveyor and owns GVA DOB, a property advisory company and estate agents based in Dublin. His late business partner Donal Ó Buachalla introduced him to racehorse ownership in the 1990s, and Con is a regular racegoer at Killarney, Naas and Leopardstown. He’s enjoyed a great winter with the Francis Flood-trained Miss Xian, who’s won twice for him this year already.
How did you get into racehorse ownership/How did you come to own your first horse?
My business partner, Donal O’Buachalla decided to invest in horses and I joined him at his invitation seeing as I was always interested in horse racing. With Donal, the first horse I owned was GVA Ireland. We had some brilliant days out with him – he won six times in total, including the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in 2006.
What was your best day at the races and why?
It was at Cheltenham with GVA Ireland in 2004 when we finished second in the Pertemps Final. We were only caught just before the line, so close in fact that we thought he had won it.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
The lack of certain types of races – three-mile handicap chases for example. In England, there are a lot more race meetings but, with the high number of horses in training in Ireland, there is lots of balloting occurring each week and it can be difficult to get a run. More race meetings in Ireland might provide more opportunities.
In your experience, which racecourse treats owners the best and why?
We’ve always had good experiences at Naas, Fairyhouse, and Navan. To get in for free and receive a refreshment voucher might be only little gestures, but they go a long way. It shows at least they’re thinking of you. I’m not interested in sitting in a fancy seat somewhere, but comfortable surroundings are a must.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
I’m a jump racing fan. I mostly go racing in the winter. I mainly like the National Hunt as a spectacle, and the fact that flat racing is over too fast. I’d watch flat racing a lot on television, but when I go racing I go jumping.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
Someone you can work with, get on with, and have a good working relationship with. It’s no good for anyone if you’re constantly fighting with them. You have to feel they’re doing the best for your horse. And they have to be able to recommend a decent horse to you.
What improvements could be made to racing in Ireland?
Facilities are improving all the time, but you can talk about it in the context of a spectator or as an owner. As an owner, you look for suitable races for your horse at the right time of the year. As a spectator, you want pleasant facilities to socialise. Leopardstown is one course which has made huge improvements recently, with more to come. The members’ club there really reaches out to you and makes you feel welcome.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
HRI tracks are giving out a voucher for refreshments, which is a positive step. What Punchestown do by reaching out to racegoers and owners is fantastic. But on a cold Wednesday in January, when there are less than 1,000 people at a meeting, there’s not so much you can do. But racecourses should be trying to make going racing a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?
If your horse loses, it loses. Racing is all about winning.
What significance do your colours hold?
None. My wife and I picked them, but we didn’t realise there were so many sets of blue, white and yellow colours. With so many varieties of colours and owners, it’s difficult to pick out ones that don’t clash.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
We normally buy at the Land Rover Sale or Derby Sale. We study the pedigree but I would be very much relying on my trainer, Francis Flood, to make any purchasing decisions. We bought Miss Xian hoping for residual value and thankfully it’s worked out for us.
What horses do you currently have in training and what’s next on the agenda?
Miss Xian. We’re seriously looking at breeding from her soon. She’s out to grass for the summer at the moment.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
Talk to somebody who has experience of horse racing and get sound advice. Join a syndicate if you don’t know anything about it, and use it as a mechanism to learn as much as you can about it.
Con Cronin was in conversation with Joe Finegan
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
AIRO has secured free admission on over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training. The next free racing dates for registered active owners are:
Ballinrobe Monday, May 25th
Ballinrobe Tuesday, May 26th
Down Royal Friday, May 29th