Gary O’Brien is the face and voice of Irish racing on At The Races. He has recently dipped his toe into the world of racehorse ownership with tremendous success, owning Bayan, Ibsen and Vics Canvas with three different syndicates.

How did you get into racehorse ownership?

Myself and a few pals had always had the idea to get involved at some stage and we eventually put a syndicate together to buy a horse called Send Me Home. Ado McGuinness trained him to win a couple of times, including at our local track Bellewstown.

What was your best day at the races and why?

I’ve been lucky enough to have a few good days but December 20th, 2014 when Bayan won the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot would have to take pride of place. It was a hugely exciting race, one I doubt any of us who were there will forget in a hurry, and the celebrations continued up until Christmas.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

There are obviously significant costs involved, though going down the partnership or syndicate route can reduce these to suit each individual. Injuries are part and parcel of the game, especially jumps racing, but they are still hard to take when they happen.

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

Unfortunately, I’m usually working when the horses run in Ireland, so I cannot avail of the facilities in place for owners. In England, Sandown and Ascot both looked after us extremely well when we had runners there.

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

Jumps. It was always my favourite growing up and injuries notwithstanding, the horses’ careers tend to go on for longer.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Honesty first and foremost, and also someone who is a good judge of a horse’s capabilities – or limitations!

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

Things are definitely getting better but in an ideal world you’d like to see owners provided with a complimentary lunch, as is the case at a lot of the British tracks. At least then even if their horse runs badly owners will still hopefully have had a decent day out.

How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?

That’s not something I’ve ever really thought about. To be fair I doubt many people expect any special treatment if their horse doesn’t win.

What significance do your colours hold?

I think the maroon and white relates to the first horse owned by the “In Vino Veritas” Partnership (CORE Syndicate’s predecessor), Cabernet Sauvignon. Michael O’Leary reckons we copied Gigginstown’s but I’ve assured him that’s not the case!

How did your syndicate get its name?

The CORE Syndicate’s name comes from the initials of its five members’ surnames (Canning/O’Brien/Reynolds/Early).

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Some evidence of ability, not necessarily in the recent past, and ideally reasonably low mileage on the clock.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Bayan and Ibsen with Gordon Elliott, and Vics Canvas with Dermot McLoughlin – the latter two are owned in different partnerships.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Bayan might have a run or two on the flat before a well-deserved break. Ibsen ran below par at Galway so I’m not sure where he’ll go next. Vics Canvas is only just coming back from his holidays, and hopefully he’ll be able to go for some of the big staying chases during the winter again.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

No, that’s my lot for the moment.

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

Consider going the syndicate/partnership route, ideally with a few friends. It helps keep the costs down and I find it’s more enjoyable sharing any success you might be lucky enough to have with others.

Gary O’Brien was in conversation with Joe Finegan

AIRO secured free admission on over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training, including:

Curragh Sunday, August 9th

Downpatrick Sunday, August 9th

Ballinrobe Monday, August 10th

Gowran Park Wednesday, August 12th

Tramore Thursday August 13th

Roscommon Monday, August 17th

Killarney Wednesday, August 19th

Ballinrobe Tuesday 25th

Bellewstown Wednesday August 26th

Bellewstown Thursday August 27th