The Lost Welton Syndicate members are Alan Burke, Darren Collins, Daniel Collins, Iarlaith Collins, Diarmuid Gavin, James Quirke, Barry Flaherty, Stephen Lane, Emma Lane, Colm Parke, and Martin Burke, who received membership as a gift from his daughter, Claire, who lives in the British Virgin Islands. The syndicate owe a huge debt of gratitude to Sean Murphy, who bred their horse, Ocean Glandore, who triumphed at the Bellewstown Festival earlier this month, trained and ridden by Denis Hogan. Syndicate member Alan Burke answers our questions.
How did you get into racehorse ownership?
Each member of the syndicate has a keen interest in horse racing and enjoys going racing. A local owner we knew was seeking a few people to get involved and that’s how it began. Ocean Glandore was a four-year-old when the syndicate was founded. His name came from the fact that he was born on the same week the Volvo Ocean race came to Galway in 2009.
What was your best day at the races and why?
The best day we had racing as a syndicate was June 24th last year when Ocean Glandore won a two and a half-mile maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe. It was a very tight finish which made for a very exciting race. Most of the syndicate were there that evening and the celebrations continued long into the night!
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
The financial side of horse racing is what we find the most challenging. Racehorse ownership is very costly and many owners can go through years of racing without having any success. However, as a syndicate, we have been very lucky to record a win at the right time which kept our show on the road.
In your experience, which racecourse treats owners the best and why?
Bellewstown and Down Royal. With 10 members in our syndicate, sometimes ticket allocation for all members is not facilitated. However, both Bellewstown and Down Royal gave us tickets so that all members could have free entry.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Our interest lies with jump racing at the moment, as it is more exciting and we get more of a thrill from watching it. However, we would not rule out a runner on the flat at some stage in the future.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
One of the main qualities we would look for would be honesty towards the owners. Picking the right race for the horse is another key factor, and to look out for the welfare of the horse is essential.
What improvements could be made to racing in Ireland?
We think that the grading and handicap systems could be revised and worked on so that improving horses have a fairer chance.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
There have been a lot of improvements in recent years but we would like to see racecourses issue more tickets to larger syndicates at no extra cost.
How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?
It does vary from course-to-course, but as a general rule all owners should be treated equally. Every racecourse should issue some form of complementary food to owners on entry.
What significance do your colours hold?
The colours we use are red, blue and white. They represent our local sporting clubs and the counties of our syndicate members. A Sligo lad got involved recently and he is represented by the jockey’s black boots!
How did the Lost Welton Syndicate get its name?
One evening, a member of the syndicate was bringing the horse in from the paddock when his wellington got stuck and he arrived in with, as we say in the west, one “welton” on.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
We look for a good size and athleticism at the right price.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Just Ocean Glandore.
Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. yearlings, 2yos, unnamed/unraced etc)
Four members of the syndicate are involved with a Brian Boru filly, recently named Youcantcallherthat.
What’s next on the agenda for Ocean Glandore?
Ocean Glandore was due to run in a handicap hurdle at Limerick on Thursday evening. Denis is of the opinion that he will make a nice chaser in the future.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
Seek out as much information as you can about the ins and outs of racing. Ultimately you need to have patience because your day will come, eventually!
Alan Burke was in conversation with Joe Finegan
AIRO secured free admission on over 90 racedays in 2015 for registered owners with a horse in training. Upcoming racedays included in the scheme are:
Wexford TODAY
Cork Monday, August 3rd
Cork Tuesday, August 4th
Curragh Sunday, August 9th
Downpatrick Sunday, August 9th
Ballinrobe Monday, August 10th
Gowran Park Wednesday, August 12th