How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I was involved in some syndicates back in the boom time in 2008-9 – Goidelic with Philip Rothwell was one of the horses and Mylerstown briefly in 2012.

I always went racing with my father as a child and I had a couple of ponies for a bit of fun.

I’m originally from Kildare and as a family we would take a picnic to the Curragh and go racing.

Then I got back into the game this June through Koybig and then Hit The Silk. I had seen Koybig been beaten in Naas in June but there was something in him I liked. I bought him and with his new trainer, Pat Murphy, he was second first time out for me at a changed distance from six furlongs to one mile and then last week he won at Dundalk!

Hit The Silk I bought in September having seen him come second at Bellewstown in August and saying to myself, I want that horse. He won for me first time out at Limerick in October.

What was your best day at the races and why?

I would have to say with my own horses the best day was that Limerick win with Hit The Silk.

But in racing generally, there have been so many great horses, Doran’s Pride, Istabraq, winning great races, happy memories.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

At the moment I’m still on a high for winning with both my horses that I don’t regard anything as a drawback! Horse racing is a bit like looking out into the garden – you can’t have plants in flower in mid-winter but you know there’s more to come. I love the racing game and the people in racing.

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

From the heights of service in Leopardstown, the Curragh and Galway to the smaller tracks on the circuit I don’t want to be negative.

Thurles is an example; there are two ladies there in the members’ bar and they know exactly what I like and always have a bowl of soup for me and a chicken sandwich; the consideration they show to always do that is something else.

At Kilbeggan they put on live music and a great bar.

Most tracks are trying and I get as much out of racing on a cold, wet, miserable day at Thurles because of the personal touch and I would like to pass that on.

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

Flat racing has been good to me with two winners but I also had winners in jumps racing as well. I would have been brought up to jumps and like the buzz in National Hunt. But it was a great buzz at Naas a couple of weeks ago when Colin Keane’s supporters all turned up to see him win the championship. I like both codes.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I met my trainer Pat Murphy in the sauna of a spa!

Honesty is vital – it doesn’t matter how hard it is to answer the questions. I have a great relationship with Pat; if a horse can’t run, he’ll give you notice.

Trust comes from both sides; as an owner you have to give your trainer a chance, not to be dictating to him, putting him under pressure. Give your trainer space and trust and a bond will build up and you will have the winners.

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

Two tracks I enjoy with excellent management standards are Dundalk and Naas. Jim Martin at Dundalk provides great facilities. You can have as good a dinner for one or for a group while watching the horses.

And the manager at Naas, Tom Ryan, I can see is fantastic even though I’ve yet to run a horse there. He always says hello and his attention to detail is what all managers should be aiming for. He’s the kind of man who will notice an older person in the doorway and rather than rushing through will hold the door open for them.

Good owners and trainers facilities and super food, that’s what we are after!

What significance do your colours hold?

With Reem at my side, who is from Sudan, we decided to pick some colours which reflect the Sudan flag and boy have they brought luck.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I like to buy a horse in training or at the sales which has already run. Buying a horse like that there is so much improvement possible – a change of scenery, a change in distance, try a flat horse over hurdles. As you should have a good relationship with your trainer look to him for advice.

In a claiming race you can try to work out the value by what handicap ratings the horse has and the value of the races’ prize money the horse had run in.

I love a good bit of banter and doing the deal. That’s part of the fun of ownership.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Hit The Silk and Koybig and I’m doing the deal for a third horse.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Hit The Silk ran in the Listed Knockaire Stakes at the end of October and was only beaten four and three-quarter lengths. He’s out on a winter break and and he’s only a four-year-old so it should be an exciting year in 2018. We might go for the higher rated handicaps or listed races in Ireland or might be able to dig out a top hat and tails and head to York or Ayr with him!

Koybig won at Dundalk at a recent Wednesday meeting. I hope to continue racing him there under the lights while I enjoy my steak!

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

Look I ran a horse against Dermot Weld, Jim Bolger and P.J. Prendergast and I won at 50/1 so take them on! Racing is a game so if you want to get into it you have to challenge the big boys.

I’ve met J.P. McManus and spoken to Rich Ricci and fair play to them they are putting their money into racing. They are hardly in it for money, but for the joy and for the highs they get from winning. I’ve seen J.P. congratulate owners who have beaten his horse and he looks almost as delighted as they are!

Why would I give out about rich men and their horses – I would love to be them! Just get on with it and don’t begrudge them anything; you never know what crumbs might fall from the top table and what dreams might happen.

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

Never empty your bank on account of a racehorse. Do the research on the horse you or your partners are buying if it’s a syndicate. Pick a good trainer like I have with P.J.F. Murphy.

If anyone wants to join a syndicate with me to buy another horse contact me through Pat and get into racing. You will be looked after by him and get into a whole new world of excitement.

Derek Leonard was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton