How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I got into racehorse ownership in 2009 with a horse named Salgrev. There were four of us involved and Paul Flynn had only started training so we gave the horse to him to train. After seven weeks in training with Paul, Salgrev won a six-furlong handicap at Naas. She came second two weeks later at Tipperary and unfortunately got injured and was put out to grass. In 2013, I got involved in another syndicate with a horse named Ebadani, trained by Mick Halford. He won three times for us and was placed 10 times. We had great fun with that horse. He was later sold to Jamie Snowden in the UK.

In 2020, I set up another syndicate consisting of 15 members. We enjoy a few pints and have a few bets on Friday nights in our local bar. We have some great characters in the syndicate, including Derek Swan - famous for his 119 goals in Irish soccer. We decided to buy a horse who might run at Dundalk for Friday night racing. We decided to go to Paul Flynn and we purchased a horse with him for small money to start.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t showing any potential and in fairness, to Paul he told us straight up. We moved on to another horse fairly quickly. Paul advised us after a short spell that this horse wouldn’t win a race and he offered us a half share in Clever Currency. We also purchased an ex-Aga Khan horse at the sales in 2021, Tashim, and he ran well in several races for us without winning. He was sold recently.

What was your best day at the races and why?

It was great to be at Leopardstown with 12 members of the syndicate present to cheer home Clever Currency, who led from start to finish. It was a great ride by young jockey Ben Kennedy. The reception we received at Leopardstown from the time we entered to the time we left was exceptional. You dream of having a winner, but to win at Leopardstown is something special

How did your syndicate get its name?

There were 15 members in the syndicate at the outset and we chose the name Force Fifteen. Unfortunately, we are down to 14 members now.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I believe it is very important to have a good relationship with your trainer and to receive regular updates on your horses from them. Paul Flynn is a great character and has regularly invited the syndicate members to his yard for a visit and some light refreshments. He is very honest and will tell you if he believes that your horse is not showing any potential, thus saving the syndicate from extra fees. Michael Halford is very similar and a great trainer with a huge interest in his owners.

What improvements/changes would you like to see made in horse racing in Ireland for owners?

Without owners, there would be no racing and it is my opinion that the HRI should ensure that there is equal status in every racecourse for owners who have horses running. For instance, some racecourses only provide two meal vouchers to owners and this causes great difficulty, especially where syndicates are concerned. Entrance into the owners and trainers area should also be made accessible to all members of the syndicate and not just those who are provided with a voucher on the day. There can be no availability for the syndicate members to purchase a meal in the owners and trainers area, which to me is not acceptable in 2023. It was the owners who throughout Covid kept up their ownership even though in most cases they were unable to attend racing.

Do you think the current cost-of-living crisis will impact on racing in general and ownership in particular?

It’s not known as the sport of kings for nothing. The cost of having a racehorse in training has become very expensive in the past year, with all the extra expenses being put on the owners. In many cases, pending the size of the syndicate, it can be divided equally. However, this is not the case with single ownerships and I’m sure some individuals will find it difficult this year.

What significance do your colours hold?

One of our syndicate members is from Mayo and there is great banter in relation to the colours when the horse is running. Some of the members of the syndicate are involved with Ballymun Kickhams GAA, and hence the colours were chosen to match the colours on their jersey.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

We have a half-share in two horses with Paul. Clever Currency, who Paul’s sister Rebecca owns the other half share in, and we have a four-year-old named Feel The Force. Hopefully they will both run at the end of the month if Paul can find suitable races for them.

What do you do with your racehorses when their racing days are over?

When their racing days are over Paul has always found a home for them, some have gone to riding clubs and have done well. Salgrev, our first horse, is on a farm in Longford with one of the syndicate owners of the horse.

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

It is very difficult for smaller owners/trainers when they are competing against the bigger stables. I think there should be more races for trainers who have not trained X amount of winners in a certain period and there should be an increase in the number of races for horses in training who have run X amount of times without winning a race.

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

If you are thinking of becoming involved in the ownership of a racehorse you should know the full costs involved on a month-by-month basis. Being part of a syndicate can alleviate the costs involved especially if the numbers are big as you can have up to 20 in the syndicate. Knowing the members of the syndicate makes it very enjoyable. The banter can be great craic.