How did you get into racehorse ownership?

My father always had a great interest in National Hunt racing, and had several horses over the years. Going to the races was something we did together. Shortly before he passed away in 1991, I purchased the first of my own horses, Dego Dancer, who was trained by a family friend, the late Paddy McAllen.

Unfortunately, my father wasn’t with us to see her win first time but by then I had the bug and it hasn’t left me since. I subsequently bred that mare and she produced a fine gelding by Phardante, Dego Dante. At that stage I had my own licence, and Dego Dante ended up with a tally of three wins and seven places before he broke down.

What was your best day at the races and why?

Cork on August 2nd 2004, Dego Dante’s first win and my first as a trainer. The sense of achievement was fantastic. I had bred him, owned him and trained him.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

It’s the uncertainty of the game. Anything can happen to a horse either at home or on the racetrack and a lot of it is beyond human control. Even with the greatest precautions and safeguards in place stuff happens, and a small incident can result in a horse being off training for months or more. Patience is the biggest virtue a racehorse owner can have. I don’t have the quandary of choosing a trainer, as I train myself.

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

The tracks that have had investment put into their infrastructure have the best facilities for owners. Galway and Fairyhouse in particular make a great effort. But in general the contribution of owners to the industry is not acknowledged as it should be. They are the main contributors to the funding of racing in Ireland.

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

Jump racing. From point-to-points to the Grand National, where else could you get such excitement?

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I train my own horses, so for good or ill I have only myself to answer to.

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

Owners are the main contributors to horse racing and their attendance at race meetings should be made a special occasion by all racecourses. Good bar facilities and a complimentary meal are the least they should expect.

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

To be honest the racecourse officials can’t hold your hand and sympathise when things go wrong. We all have good and bad days and anyone involved in the business needs to accept that.

What significance do your colours hold?

These are the colours on the logo of my company Cargo King. I’m from Clare, so the saffron and blue have to feature strongly!

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

First of all I always have a very low budget. That immediately rules out a good chunk of the stock at any given sale, but it increases the challenge bigtime! I try to balance pedigree and conformation. There are always flaws to be accepted and it’s all a balancing act with a bit of luck thrown in. I have been very lucky over the years and have picked up some fine bargains.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Capture The Drama and Change The Rules. Both have performed beyond our expectations with seven wins since March 2016. We hope for a little more from both of them yet.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

We’re always on the lookout for suitable races for both horses.

Have you any horses to look forward to?

I have a five-year-old gelding by Well Chosen who I hope to run in a point-to-point around April or May. I’m very excited about him. He’s showing lots of ability so far. I also have a Touch Of Land gelding who’s working very well at the moment. I would hope to go straight to the track with him.

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

As things stand the big owners totally dominate the industry. For the long-term survival of Irish racing a rethink is needed to keep a space for the smaller owners and trainers who were its mainstay for so many years. A series of races for horses purchased at sales for sums not exceeding €5,000 or €l0,000 would reduce the big players and give the smaller man a fair shot at being in the winners’ enclosure.

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

Invest small. Have time on your hands to wait and wait. And hang on to your coat-tails when the good times roll in!

Aengus King was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton