How did you get into racehorse ownership?

The syndicate is based around friends who know each other through the Suncroft GAA and St Lawrence GAA clubs in Kildare.

Syndicate members are myself and my son Barry, Pat Murphy, Gabriel Kenny who lives in the US, John Leigh and his sister Teresa Wall – six of us.

I’ve owned a few horses over the years. I bought Brides Hill off David Magnier of Grange Stud, my son came in for some shares and then we had six in all.

I worked for the Aga Khan for some time and also with the vet Fiona Hughes for 13 years. I have finished working now through injury and have just been on holiday in Limerick, feels like the best holiday ever now that we can get out!

What was your best day at the races and why?

It has to be Tipperary last October. It was the way Brides Hill won so readily, going away from the others after the last and winning by seven lengths. We realised she was a serious mare and we were all there from the syndicate and the kids - everyone!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

If you go into racing with the right attitude - to have some fun - you’re always going to have a great time. Being able to get out to the races after Covid, what more could you want!

We were lucky to win at Tramore and Leopardstown – two days you would not forget in your life. Those are the days I have dreamt of.

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

Tipperary was a highlight, they brought us for a meal as did Leopardstown. Tramore was brilliant as well, you couldn’t fault them. All the tracks are good now.

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

National Hunt out and out, although I do follow the flat.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

You hear about different trainers once you get involved in racing and Gavin was having a great run at the time. So we went to have a look at Gavin’s set-up. What a set-up! Every time I go up there the facilities are improved again, whether it’s the gallops or new parking for visiting owners, or some other tweak.

He’s a fair man, he tells you straight what is going on with your horse and will send a video of the horse working so you feel involved.

His staff - Ger Fox, the different people who lead up, Derek in the office they are terrific.

Once a month I might ring up and head over to see the mare and Gavin welcomes you in and nothing could be less trouble.

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

We feel we have been well treated wherever the mare was running.

After the current crisis, what will the impact be on racing and on ownership?

I think the ownership numbers will improve. You would go mad stuck at home during the lockdown and people will go back. Our sport was on the telly during Covid unlike others and you had Gary O’Brien and the team keeping us entertained so it must have attracted new people to the game.

What can trainers or HRI do to encourage owners to keep horses in training at the moment?

Keep in contact with owners - nobody wants to be kept in the dark. Trainers should send out pictures and videos of the horses working so owners can track the improvement hopefully and feel part of the whole process of training.

What significance do your colours hold?

We used the colours of John Leigh’s father, Noel and changed the cap. They are based on the Wicklow colours I believe.

How did your syndicate get its name?

The name of our horse was chosen by Pat Murphy’s wife with the dam being called Wedding Cake and Brides Hill is by Dylan Thomas.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Well with this mare it was Kevin Haverty who tipped me off. He and his son Stephen are breeders from Loughrea and sell horses.

We would talk on the phone quite a lot and he said to me I know where there is a nice filly. So we went down to Catherine Magnier at Grange Stud and liked the filly. She has the breeding and is by an Arc winner.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Just Brides Hill.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Brides Hill went up 14lb after her Leopardstown Christmas win and then ran in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival where she pulled up after racing prominently early on.

Unfortunately she fell on the Thursday before while schooling and then got lit up in the race.

She’s taken a month off and we’ve all decided not to go to Cheltenham this time, she’s too young. She might have a run at Fairyhouse and then be put away for the year.

Brides Hill has won three and been placed a few times and always runs to her best – what more could you want. It’s great to have a horse good enough to compete. She is quiet as a lamb and relaxed and a lovely all-round mare.

Have you any young horses to look forward to?

I have a Poet’s Word filly and a Ribchester filly. John Leigh has a Walk In The Park, a Fast Company, a Vocalised and a mare by Dylan Thomas.

What do you do with your racehorse when her racing days are over?

We hope to breed from her after her racing career. It would be marvellous to get blacktype.

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

Racing is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if Gordon Elliott has five or six in a race or Willie Mullins. You can compete with the best.

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

Go up to Cromwells and have a look round. You’ll really be welcomed.

You need an honest man for your trainer, a straightforward man and someone who calls a spade a spade.

Mick Moran was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton