Our series on racehorse owners continues with Tom Connolly

Dunroe Boy rose to prominence last week at Kilbeggan when providing trainer Tom Coyle with his first winner with his first runner since obtaining his trainer’s licence the week before. Dunroe Boy was bought for Tom Connolly by his son, Robert, who works at Eddie Cawley’s Ballymaglasson Stud, Co Meath.

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I started in the late 1990s when I joined a syndicate who had a horse with trainer Oliver Finnegan. The horse moved on to Harry Rogers but the syndicate didn’t work out so I decided to continue on with racehorse ownership anyway. Harry bought a horse for me from Eddie Lynam called Benfica, I got myself a set of colours, and we ended up enjoying a couple of wins and a couple of placed efforts too.

What was your best day at the races and why?

It had to be at Kilbeggan last week. I’ve enjoyed winners before but none like that one - it was really special because I’ve known Tom Coyle a long time, and all my family were there too. Tom Coyle had only received his permit to train from the Turf Club the week before so I’m honoured to own his first winner. My son led up Dunroe Boy too!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

There aren’t enough races for lower rated horses over jumps. There should be more handicaps introduced into the race programme because there are too many horses not getting runs.

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

At the risk of sounding biased, I’d say Kilbeggan! They always draw a great local crowd, the surrounds are lovely, and it’s a very comfortable course which caters for all ages.

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

Jumps. Not only is it more affordable but it’s nicer to be able to see your horse run for five minutes at a time, rather than just one minute.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

My son Robert met Tom Coyle when they both worked at Eddie Cawley’s stud in Meath. I need a trainer who’s honest, and makes looking after his horses a priority - the animal must come first. A trainer must also know how to place a horse to maximise winning opportunities.

What improvements could be made to racing in Ireland?

There’s a huge difference in the prize money fund between flat racing and National Hunt. Prize money should be distributed more evenly. National Hunt horses are more affordable but if I could, I’d get involved in a flat horse. I owned one once, but she injured her tendons and had to be retired so I use her as a broodmare now.

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

It could cost up to €500 to run a horse at a particular racecourse so when you arrive there after a long journey, it would be nice to get a cup of tea and sandwich. It’s not a lot to ask for and wouldn’t cost a bomb.

What significance do your colours hold?

My wife and family picked them out about 18 years ago and they’ve proved to be very lucky for us.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I analyse the form if I’m buying a point-to-pointer or a horse who has run on the track. That’s what we looked for when buying Dunroe Boy. If I’m buying an unraced horse, I look at the bloodline and how he carries himself.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Just Dunroe Boy.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

I’ve a nice unnamed and unraced three-year-old filly who should be ready to race in the autumn.

What’s next on the agenda for Dunroe Boy?

We’re going back to Kilbeggan in two week’s time (July 17th) for a three-mile handicap hurdle and then we’ll go chasing with him.

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

Take the good with the bad, and when it all comes together it is brilliant.

Tom Connolly was in conversation with Joe Finegan.

AIRO secured free admission on over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training.

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