How did you get into racehorse ownership?

About five years ago I got myself my first point-to-pointer. My brother-in-law, Warren Ewing, is a big point-to-point trainer and his help along the way was invaluable. He also part owns Lusis Naturea. When we got Lusis we tried him in a point-to-point but he couldn’t stay the distance so a different route had to be taken. There was plenty of talent there, we just had to be patient and find out where it lay. Lusis has been the best challenge yet. He has taught me many things - the best being to never give up on your dream or your horse.

What was your best day at the races and why?

I’ve got to say my best day at the races was the first time Lusis Naturea won (Dundalk, February 26th). I know it was seen as a weaker maiden but he did it in style leaving everything behind by 10 lengths. To know that all the hard work had paid off was an incredible feeling.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

The only worry that I ever have is that something should happen to the horse.With the flat racing I have to say that my nerves are much less than when we go pointing although I do know that injuries can happen. As long as my horse is good then I’m good.

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

Since I am relatively new to the racehorse ownership I don’t have much experience in this department. I have been to Dundalk four times and every experience has been a good one, win or lose.

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

Previously I would have said jump racing but as I am getting more and more involved in the flat I can see that there is a lot more to it than I had previously given it credit for.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

I met Noel Kelly through my partner Paul who shoes his horses. Noel is exactly the sort of person I would be drawn to and get along with. He is extremely down to earth and very easy to talk to. He keeps in constant touch about the horse and we often drop by for tea and a catch up although sometimes the brandy does come out! I think the win with the horse meant as much to him as me since we both had tears in our eyes afterwards and I don’t think he will appreciate me telling you this.

What significance do your colours hold?

There is no significance to the choice of colours but I would like to explain about his name.

I picked the name Lusis Naturea because a friend of mine, who is now a racehorse trainer himself, Eoin Barry, used to ride the horse. When we took Lusis to the beach for some work as a three-year-old I remember Eoin saying that this horse should not be doing this as a three-year-old as he just tanked the whole way, getting stronger as he tried to pull him up. He said he was a “freak of nature’’ and one night as I was looking on the internet for a name to suit him, Lusis Naturea bounced up with the meaning of freak of nature beside it so that was it. It looks now that he’s going to live up to that name, though his stable name is Wally, due to his wall eye, and there were plenty times he lived up to that one too.

When buying a horse what do you look for?

Obviously you look at the pedigree but I am not a massive believer in that; if a full-brother or sister is a superstar that automatically does not mean what you buy is going be the same. My sister runs marathons and me, well I can’t run the length of myself but it’s what buyers look for. For the most part, if the conformation is good you’re okay but I do look into their temperament. I like a laid back horse who switches on when asked and doesn’t leave the race at home, along with a kind eye.

What horses do you currently have in training?

This year I have two others in training with my partner running under my own name for the first time as handler. Both are now four. My first one is a Beneficial named Benatar out of the Carrigeen line. He is a solid big chasing type with the biggest cleanest jump I have seen in a long time. He hopefully will run his first point-to-point in the next couple of weeks.

The second is a Whitmore’s Conn out of a Fruits Of Love mare. He is slightly smaller in height but what he lacks in that department, he more than makes up for in heart. I am unsure as to whether or not I will point-to-point him. I have no doubt he could jump the fences as well as any bigger horse but I feel hurdling or the flat may be better suited as he has a bit of toe too. This could be his future - hence the name Shumaker.

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

It is what it is; you will always be up against them but hey, what a buzz when you as the underdog beat the big boys.

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

If you have the funds available to do so, go for it or maybe start a syndicate to spread costs. It’s a great day out and a massive accomplishment when you do get that winner.

Karen McNeilly was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) have secured agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses for free admission to 107 race meetings in 2016 for owners who currently have a horse in training. AIRO wishes to express its appreciation to racecourses.

Details of the meetings are posted on www.irishracehorseowners.com