Niall O’Leary has built up a successful association with Henry De Bromhead, both as an individual owner and as part of the Lucky In Life Syndicate.

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I spent a number of years in America before returning home to Killarney. Shortly after coming back, my brother John and I were watching the Cheltenham Festival with a few friends. The chat soon turned to the prospect of getting a horse of our own and subsequently, as to who would train it.

The consensus was that we wouldn’t go far wrong with Henry de Bromhead. John and I went down to meet Henry at his yard in Knockeen and knew immediately that he was the right man for us.

What was your best day at the races and why?

That was without a doubt, when Spyglass Hill, the first horse I owned, won his first race in Limerick. Nothing compares to the feeling of winning; it certainly makes up for all those losing days!

Owning a racehorse is not just a journey you take on your own - family, friends and colleagues share in the whole experience. I suppose, in a way you feel responsible, you don’t want to let them down if they have had a bet.

Even my mother had €5 each-way on Spyglass Hill, so she too got to enjoy the victory.

How did your syndicate get its name?

There are eight of us in the syndicate. We’re all healthy; I wouldn’t say wealthy and I certainly wouldn’t say wise. However, I would say we have all been relatively lucky in life. Some of us are even fortunate enough to be from Kerry!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The unpredictability of it all. The standard of racing in Ireland is very, very high. The costs to keep a horse in training isn’t cheap by any standard and you need to win or at least hit the frame to help with the bills. This is particularly true with new owners or members of a small syndicate.

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

I think that’s a very personal perspective. The local day out is always great but you can’t beat a runner at the big festivals. I have had winners at both Listowel and Limerick and they both have been very good to me.

Punchestown looked after us all very well when Senior Chief ran last weekend and I am looking forward to returning for their festival meeting later in the year.

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

Personally, I tend to favour jump racing because it’s the lifeblood of rural Ireland. Over the years, we have seen so many future stars come out of the point-to-point fields.

Also, given their longevity, it’s nice to be able to follow a horse over several years. However, I do enjoy the breeze ups as you get an early insight into a horse’s potential.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty, trust and transparency. If you put your faith in a trainer, you need to be sure they look for value when spending your money at the sales.

I’m not a big fan of social media but appreciate the importance of receiving up to date content in the form of photos and videos.

However, above all that, I like to feel comfortable being able to ring up my trainer or paying a visit to their yard.

What do you think of the introduction of the Owner Free Days in 2023?

I’m all for it, especially with the proviso of transportation to and from the track. Gowran Park offer this service on race days and it’s a very well received.

Racegoers like to be able to have a drink and enjoy the whole social aspect of the day out and that’s not always possible if you are driving.

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

It would be nice to get free entry and lunch on days you don’t have a horse running. It’s not about being able to afford it or not, it’s more about feeling appreciated.

The cost of keeping a horse in training is substantial; granted it’s a personal choice to do so.

More needs to be done to encourage owners into the sport but there is certainly an imbalance between what they put in and what they get back.

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

The real answer is cost. Having said that we all knew it was expensive when we bought horses and we recognise that we live in an inflationary world.

What significance do your colours hold?

I have a painting at home with my primary and secondary colours. I bought it in Saratoga Springs, New York where I used to live years ago. So, aside from that, there is no real significance at all.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

A good bloodstock agent and trainer. Never underestimate the value of listening to a trustworthy expert in their field.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Senior Chief, Defan and Spyglass Hill are in training at the moment. Trendy Lady and Tideways Hero will be back in in the coming months.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

We hope to run Defan in a handicap chase at Aintree and Senior Chief will be aimed at the Punchestown Festival. Aside from that, you will have to ask Henry, aka the Waterford Wizard.

Have you any young horses to look forward to?

Hopefully Tideway’s Hero turns out to be a good summer horse. She was named after a greyhound my father owned at one time.

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

I haven’t had to cross that bridge yet - the goal would be to either find them a good home, or maybe breed the next great thing.

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

The consensus answer from the group is don’t tell your spouse! I’d say burn the money in your mind that you paid for the horse. Set aside the finances to keep it on and off the track and you’re halfway there.

I’d also recommend in certain cases, of thinking of a partnership or a small syndicate in lieu of sole ownership. You get a great experience in terms of sharing opinions on past performances and future prospects.

Niall O’Leary was in conversation with John O’Riordan