How did you get into racehorse ownership?
We are a long time involved in the horse industry and we decided in the past few years to buy some horses to race. They are mainly fillies to have for breeding prospects.
What was your best day at the races and why?
Royal Ascot in 2016 when Quiet Reflection won the Ascot Commonwealth Cup (Group 1). We had purchased her as yearling at Doncaster in 2014 and sold her the following year at the Doncaster Breeze Up Sale.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
I can’t think of any drawbacks.
In your experience, which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?
Leopardstown - they have excellent facilities.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Flat - that’s our world.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
Good horsemanship is essential and the ability to communicate clearly.
What significance do your colours hold?
The colours belonged to my parents when they were racing National Hunt horses.
How did your syndicate get its name?
My family had always be interested in racing and we decided to call ourselves the Whitehead Family Partnership to reflect that.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
Quality is the main attribute to look out for.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Our Wootton Bassett filly Mamba Noire recently won at Cork on her first race. Ken Condon, trainer, described her as “very good-looking. She’ll go to Naas next (tomorrow) and then hopefully to the Queen Mary.’’
We also have a Dragon Pulse filly with Michael O’ Callaghan, Magical Fire.
What’s next on the agenda for your horses?
Hopefully, Mamba Noire runs well tomorrow in the listed stakes at Naas.
What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?
More auction races like the one we were able to win in Cork with Mamba Noire. They are very attractive with good prize money. (Plus 10 race, €15,375 first prize.)
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
Pick a good bloodstock agent you can trust to buy a yearling or breeze-up horse and go to mass the following Sunday!
Thomas Whitehead was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton
The AIRO have secured free entry for members to the Curragh on Sunday, July 2nd, featuring the Pretty Polly Stakes. Contact Ciara Doyle at the Curragh on 045 441205 before Monday, June 5th to book tickets.