Patrick Sheanon has been in the racing game for quite some time now and his Fairyhouse Easter Monday winner Bottler’secret seems to be the most exciting horse that he has ever had. There is much more to come from this exciting juvenile as he now targets a Grade 1 at Punchestown. Patrick also has horses in training in England and this year switched Wolf Prince over to Fergal O’Brien’s yard.

Can you tell us how long you have been interested in racing and how you got into racehorse ownership?

I have been interested in racing for the last 20 years. I bought my first horse and gave it to Charles Byrnes to train. I had a horse with Philip Fenton for a while and then I got in with Gavin (Cromwell). He bought me a few horses and anything I’ve had with him has won.

Bottler’secret, who won on Easter Monday, looks like a very smart young horse. Can you tell us a bit about him? Yeah, he is a very smart horse, a very nice horse, laid back sort. Bryan Cooper actually bought him for me. He won well in a Grade 3 race at Naas by 11 lengths. We were going to send him to Cheltenham for the Triumph Hurdle but we held off. It’s very hard on young horses that race.

It was the right decision to keep him for Easter Monday. He jumped well and has improved a lot. It was a great one to win. There were some lovely horses in that field. It was very competitive. I think our lad was 13 seconds quicker than the course average on that ground.

So we are very happy with how he ran. He really stood up and showed what he is made of.

Keith Donoghue gave him a nice ride too, didn’t he?

He gave him a brilliant ride. He rode him along the railing the whole way around. He kept him there in the right position. He didn’t get a hard race. Keith is absolutely delighted with him. He did a fantastic job with him. Keith is doing very well this year. He is a good horseman and a good asset for Gavin Cromwell to have.

What’s next on the agenda for him? Is it Punchestown next?

I think Gavin is looking at Punchestown for him. There is a Grade 1 race there for him, the four-year-old one. He is the most exciting horse I have ever had. So we are very much looking forward to what’s to come with him. Hopefully, we get to Punchestown safe and he will run his race there.

Tell us about your relationship with Gavin.

Gavin first got me a nice horse called Wolf Prince, who won well in England last week. Fergal O’Brien has done a wonderful job in getting him back from injury. I’ve had two more horses with Gavin. We have another one who has not run yet, who is only a four-year-old.

Each trainer is probably different in my eyes. Gavin has extended big time since I started as an owner there. He has a new gallop and it’s a top-class job he has done with it. It is nice to see someone challenging Gordon and Willie. It’s good for racing to see a change and competitiveness at the top level. I thought it was fantastic to see Tom Gibney winning the Grand National on Monday. It’s very good for racing. Willie is probably the best trainer out there but he has the best horses too. It’s just nice to see someone away from the norm take a big race now and again.

Interestingly, you are willing to send horses across the water as well. How are you getting on with Fergal O’Brien?

I have no issues sending a horse to be trained in England. Racing is very competitive in Ireland, There are a lot of top trainers and sometimes it is hard to get winners in Ireland. We took a bit of a chance and sent a couple over there. There is more racing over there and it is less competitive. Fergal is a good man. We sent him over three horses, and two of them didn’t work out with injury. I like Fergal, he is honest and straightforward. He is a likeable sort of character who loves his racing. He has done an excellent job with Wolf Prince.

When you are buying a horse is there a particular type of horse that you look out for?

I like horses who have run on the flat. They can be hard to get at times but they have run and proven themselves. I actually bought a flat horse last week. I gave it to Michael O’Callaghan. He will hopefully be out in a couple of weeks. We looked at him up at the Curragh. He looks promising. We will see how he goes.

Would you consider yourself a fan of the flat or would you still prefer the National Hunt?

No, I would be more into the National Hunt than the flat. Even in ownership, that lad that we gave to Michael O’Callaghan is our only flat horse this year whereas we have had a few jumpers.

What advice would have for someone looking to get involved in horse racing ownership?

It’s an enjoyable game. It’s great when you are at the track and get a winner. In terms of advice, I’d say try and get the right one! They are hard to find. It is enjoyable though and it is a fabulous day out for yourself and the family.