How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I’m from Markethill, Co Armagh, we have a household and electrical business and my late father Noel had a few horses.

In 1988 I got involved in a syndicate with a few local friends the Eureka Thoroughbreds Syndicate in a horse trained by Eddie Lynam, On The Steel. He won a bumper at Punchestown and another at Down Royal and all together six times with multiple second placings. On The Steel passed away on the gallops.

As a syndicate we acquired more horses and then later on people went their separate ways.

What was your best day at the races and why?

My best day was Irish Derby day at the Curragh in 2011 when my horse French Emperor was third in the Railway Stakes, trained by Eddie Lynam. To be placed in a Group 2 at headquarters on Derby day was something special.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

It’s very hard to keep a horse right which is very frustrating for all concerned.

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

Leopardstown sets the standard as regards looking after people. We had a day’s racing at Cork recently and we were well catered for.

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

I have been more involved with the flat over the years but I enjoy National Hunt racing as well.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty of course and a good picker. You have to have a trainer with the right ability to pick the right race for your horse. I’ve known Eddie Lynam for 35 years and he has that skill.

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

If you bring a few friends racing you would like to bring them for a decent sit down meal, especially if people have travelled.

Nowadays there are less locally based owners where you can chat about local business and have some good social conversation and chat.

Too many big owners dominate.

What significance do your colours hold?

None, just picked at random.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I breed quite a lot of horses in partnerships. I have some mares and I breed some stock in partnership with Joe Hernon of Castle Hyde Stud and with Eddie (Lynam).

I bred Group 3 Flying Five Stakes winner My Girl Anna.

I have recently purchased Byzantium, covered by Acclamation, with Joe Hernon.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Magic Bear, a four-year-old by Kodiac, has won twice and could be out again in September.

Milo’s Lass is also in training with Eddie Lynam and ran in a mile handicap at Dundalk on Wednesday (finished eight of 14 having disputed in fourth).

I also have a half-share in a gelding in training with young Nicole McKenna from Dungannon, Co Tyrone – Don’t Be Hasty.

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

I own an unnamed two-year-old filly by Big Bad Bob with Andy Oliver.

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

Restructure the programme of racing to suit these owners and trainers. We should have more specialist races as they have organised in the National Hunt sphere with possibly a series or races for horses who haven’t been placed in the first four over the last year. There could be a series of 10 races over various distances.

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

Don’t expect to make money – racing is a hobby not a business.

Enjoy yourself and go for it. Racing is a good sport – support it.

Trevor Dalzell was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton