SARAH Dawson, whose yard is situated between Katesbridge and Banbridge in the rolling hills of Co Down, is one of just two north of Ireland-based trainers participating in next Saturday’s Horse Racing Ireland-promoted open morning. Her ties to the area are strong as her grandfather was a horse dealer from nearby Hilltown.

“Although I have an eventing background, I was exposed to thoroughbreds from an early age as I went racing all over Ireland as a child with my father, Frank Murphy, and I have fond memories of those times in the Monksfield era.

“I rode and trained point-to-point horses when I lived in England so taking out a licence to train when I got back here just seemed the natural thing to do.

“I run a small, dual-purpose yard and I currently have 10 horses in training, both Flat and National Hunt, but have plenty of room for more! I like to buy Flat yearlings and run them on the flat at two and three and, if I think they are suitable types, I’ll send them over hurdles from four on.”

Dawson’s most recent starter over jumps is the four-year-old Born To Sea gelding Magic Sea who was fourth in the opportunity maiden hurdle at Down Royal last Monday.

“Magic Sea is a perfect example of a good fun horse I bought as a yearling for just €11,000 at the 2016 Tattersalls September Sale. He won a seven-furlong nursery handicap the following year as a two-year-old at our local track, Down Royal, which provided a first win for his owners who have been avid racing fans all their lives.

“He is now running successfully over hurdles and will mix and match this season under both codes. He’s a very consistent horse picking up prize-money at the Festivals including Galway last summer and he’ll return there this year. He’s an example of the type of horse someone could be involved with on a very affordable budget.”

While wins at Down Royal and Downpatrick may be particularly sweet, Galway has to be a favourite track of the trainer’s as she saddled Clare Glen and Grand Opera to land handicaps at the 2011 and 2012 Festivals at the western track.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming visitors, and hopefully prospective owners, to the yard next Saturday,” continued Dawson. “The open day will allow anyone who might want to get into racing as an owner find out more about what is entailed.

“I think there are a lot of people out there who would love to be involved in racehorse ownership but just don’t know how to go about it or maybe think it’s too expensive.

“This is a perfect opportunity to come along in a relaxed environment and meet the team here at Tanvally and see what happens behind the scenes; my staff and I will be happy to answer any questions.

“There will be some owners present on the day who can share their experiences with newcomers and a Horse Racing Ireland representative who can help with any admin queries on how to get started with ownership and what’s involved.

“At the open morning, visitors will be brought out to see horses work on the gallop and school over jumps. Back in the yard, they will see the physio at work manipulating a horse and also see the farrier putting new shoes on.

“This will be a real opportunity to witness racehorse training close up as well as finding out about ownership opportunities be it sole, syndication, partnerships or membership of a racing club.”