How did you get into rownership?

I’m from Kildare, the Hill of Allen. My work has been in the development of stud farms for the last 35 years as a fencing contractor.

Way back the first horse I had in training was with Irene Oakes - she got me going. The horse was Avril De Crann. I was in syndicates initially and then went out on my own.

Your best day at the races?

Any day you get a winner is a good day. I remember well being at Aintree when Ruby Walsh won the Grand National on Papillon, trained by his father Ted in 2000. That was a very good day.

The biggest drawback for an owner?

Getting horses handicapped, you could say that. There’s not much else that I can say is a drawback. Getting the right mark can be a problem.

Which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?

They have all improved a great deal. Naas has always been excellent at communicating and looking after owners as do the team at Leopardstown. It’s those extra touches that owners appreciate like lunch tickets.

Flat or jumps, which do you prefer?

I like both codes, I have both flat and National Hunt horses.

What do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty is very important in your dealings with your trainer.

Henry de Bromhead trains Captain Guinness. He’s a very good trainer of course and also very easy to get on with.

Ger Lyons trains my flat horses going way back and he has been very good to me.

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

Better ticket allocation for guests. As a single owner you have your AIR ticket and four passes. If you want extra tickets you have to have them booked.

But people often don’t know what they are doing ‘til the last minute. Lads turn up asking ‘any spare tickets?’ and you can’t help them out.

How do you think the current crisis will impact on racing in general?

I think racing should hold up, it should be okay. They have done very well to keep racing going and it will bounce back.

The world is in a bit of a mess right now for sure. The fuel bills for our business have soared; we have excavators to power up and a fleet of vans and lorries on the road to fuel.

What can trainers or HRI do to encourage owners?

It’s hard for me to get to the trainers’ yards to see my horses as the business is so busy. But they keep in touch and I know the door is always open. I know how the horses are and where they are going next.

Ger Lyons is very good at sending videos and all the information you want.

Significance of your colours?

The colours are the same as the headed paper for my business – cream/beige and royal blue.

I like that combination of colours and they have been lucky for me.

Buying horses what do you look for?

I buy them myself. I go on that I like what I see – the walk, the conformation. I do take note of the pedigree to a point but you can’t always afford to buy the pedigree. You have to take a chance on your own judgement. I buy at the sales and privately.

A friend of mine, Ollie Harrington, helps me sourcing horses and giving advice.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Captain Guinness is with Henry (de Bromhead). He’s won a hurdle and three chases so far.

We bought him out of Desmond Guinness’ Leixlip Castle, after Ollie (Harrington), recommended him to me. He was bred by Des’ friend, Arthur Fennelly, who was the farm manager at the castle and has two thoroughbred mares. I wanted to call the horse Arthur Guinness but it was already taken. There’s a famous hill in Leixlip called Captain’s Hill and that’s how the name Captain Guinness came together.

I also have two two-year-olds with Ger Lyons, not named yet, who are in training for the flat season.

John Geoghegan has a Make Believe filly of mine who should be out soon, El Credo. Looking forward to that.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

We’re hoping Captain Guinness can go to Aintree. I’ve been going to the Grand National for 30 years. I only missed it because of Covid.

I love that meeting.

Have you any young horses to look forward to?

I have one mare and two foals at home. A Harry Angel colt and a Blue Point filly. It’s madness!

What do you do with your retired racehorses?

I usually sell them on or give them to a riding school near by so they can have a new life. It’s great to be able to do that for horses.

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

We usually all compete on the same level and you take your chances. But it would be no harm to have races tailored for the smaller owner and trainer.

Make it a bit easier on the small lad.

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

Have deep pockets! And take a good interest in it. Take your chances. I enjoy it and it’s good for business.

It’s great to put a few quid back into the industry.

Declan Landy was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton