SOME owners can spend a lifetime in racing without ever having a winner, so I fully appreciate how fortunate I was, when Itsalonglongroad, won at Thurles earlier this month.

Having only bought the gelding in April, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction from my initial venture into the sport. Coming in as a complete outsider with no knowledge whatsoever, I have been overwhelmed with the number of new friends and goodwill I have encountered in such a short time.

Despite being born and raised in Killarney, I knew absolutely nothing of horses or racing until very recently.

Obviously, our local meeting is one of the biggest of the summer festivals and the town has produced jockeys of the calibre of Jim Culloty and Oisin Murphy.

However, I couldn’t even claim to have a passing interest until some friends got involved in ownership about two years ago. I followed the fortunes of their horse from a distance but that was as far as it went.

Then, about six months ago, I was having lunch in the Caragh Restaurant in Killarney, when owner David O’Sullivan asked if I had ever considered getting involved in a racehorse.

Prior to that, if anyone had broached that conversation, I would have politely made my excuses but the timing felt right to make the leap. David has been involved with horses for many years; at one time working for the legendary Bart Cummings during a stint in Australia.

Having indicated that I was interested, I left him to get on with the task of sourcing a suitable animal.

Itsalonglongroad, an eight-year-old gelding trained by John McConnell was the horse that David wanted.

Change of scenery

A dual-purpose type, he had winning form over hurdles and fences, as well as on the flat. While under no illusions about the prospect of improving a horse from such a successful trainer, David and Charlie Coakley just felt that maybe a change of scenery might enable him to return to winning ways.

After Itsalonglongroad ran in a Dundalk claimer in April, we bought him privately a couple of days later. To his credit, John McConnell couldn’t have been more helpful; I found him very honest and straightforward to deal with.

In the months that followed, whenever we met the trainer or any of his staff at races, they would always enquire about the horse and how he was doing.

Excitement

Before Itsalonglongroad had his first outing for me, myself and my family had the excitement of picking out colours. Seeing those silks on the jockeys back, as the horse was led around the parade ring in Tramore before his first start is something that will live long in the memory.

Just to have a runner in my own colours; to be involved, part of the action that was about to unfold.

Adopting his customary front-running role, Itsalonglongroad had surrendered the lead but was disputing second when taking a heavy fall at the final fence.

At that point, my only concern was for the horse’s wellbeing but once the dust had settled and he returned unscathed, I couldn’t wait to do it all again!

Throughout the summer months, David and I, travelled the country with Itsalonglongroad. Although the horse failed to sparkle on occasions, each time we learned something knew that we could take away from the experience.

Fantastic job

Both Paddy Harnett and Shane O’Callaghan, who rode the horse in his early races, did a fantastic job in teaching him to settle, thus conserving more energy.

The latter was on board when Itsalonglongroad finished second over fences at Ballinrobe in September. Mindful that the early pace was too strong, Shane tracked the leaders before taking over at halfway.

Approaching the second last, my horse still held the lead and the butterflies were really starting to build.

However, on the day, he had no answer to Red Striker on the quick ground but I was thrilled to have come so close to winning a race.

On his penultimate start at Listowel, we knew we were taking a risk, as John McConnell had warned us the horse tended to jump to his right. I suppose, we just felt that as we had him in such good form it was worth rolling the dice.

Credit has to go to Shane for pulling Itsalonglongroad up that day, as he lost considerable ground at every fence. If he hadn’t done so, we may not have had a fresh horse for last week.

Reverting to the flat at Thurles had been the plan for some time. The mile-and-half distance was ideal for Itsalonglongroad, while we were reasonably confident of getting soft ground.

Fantastic ride

In the circumstances, Dylan Browne McMonagle gave the horse a fantastic ride and I felt from some way out that I would have my first winner.

As soon as the jockey pressed on at the top of the hill, in doing so taking a couple of lengths out of the field, I began to get excited. I knew at that point that we weren’t for catching, so I could actually relax and enjoy the race.

Standing in the number one spot after, I was conscious that I may not be there too often, so made sure to appreciate the occasion. What really struck me post-race was the genuine goodwill amongst other owners, trainers and stable staff.

Friendships

As I have driven the horsebox to the races all year, I obtained a stable pass which allows me access to the (stable) yard. During that time, I have gotten to know so many people, developing lasting friendships along the way.

For someone who had no exposure to racing six months ago, I couldn’t imagine not being involved at this stage. I speak with both David O’Sullivan and Charlie Coakley every day, now considering each to be a close friend.

It has been a remarkable journey for me since dipping my toes into ownership and I’d certainly advise anyone thinking about it to give it a go.

Patrick O’Leary was in converstation with John O’Riordan