How did you get into racehorse ownership?

The great Richard Dunwoody is a longterm pal of mine. When I was retiring from playing fulltime professional football in 2001-2, he introduced me to owning horses.

My grandfather was from Co Waterford and I was always interested in racing.

What was your best day at the races?

Winning the Scottish Grand National in 2008 with Iris De Balme trained by a dear friend Sean Curran.

It was a total shock, he won at 66/1!

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

In the UK the prize money is terrible. Everyone here knows I like to have a good bet – it’s the only way you can survive. In Ireland it’s at much better levels.

It’s baffling - prize money levels in the UK is certainly not aimed towards owners or those working in racing.

Which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?

Tramore. It’s a bit like Fakenham in the UK, a homely course. People at both show so much hospitality and because I own Waterford FC, I get a fantastic reception. It’s a terrific small course and a great credit to the area. I live in Switzerland but I go to Swindon and come to Tramore to spend as much time as possible. This season Waterford FC has qualified for Europe – it’s exciting times.

Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer?

I’m probably more interested in the flat. I sponsor a number of jockeys and I have become close friends with them – Adam Kirby, James Doyle, William Buick. We have some good times. I follow their careers, they all ride for me. It was a cheap way of getting Adam Kirby as a retained rider! I can’t compete with Sheikh Mohammed for jockeys!

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Look, I was brought up in a council estate in south London and a down-to-earth person suits me. I came up the tough way and that’s why there was only one trainer I was going to send my horses to here, and that is the completely down-to-earth. Gordon Elliott who has made it his way.

Now it’s not just racing, we’re good friends. He looks after us very well and when we come over to go racing, we go out for a few beers. He provides the whole package! And gives us his time.

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

I don’t want to criticise UK tracks but it’s more hospitable here. There’s a different feel, it’s more relaxed.

It doesn’t suit everyone, some people in the UK do want more bells and whistles.

I like quirky tracks like Downpatrick. My flat trainer in the UK is Johnny Butler. I have about 15 horses with him and I asked him has he got one for the beach? (Laytown).

What significance do your colours hold?

There’s a bit of a story there. Those were the colours worn by Steve Smith Eccles when he won the Champion Hurdle three times on See You Then. They came back into the system after the previous ownership has lapsed and Richard Dunwoody told me to get them registered.

They are great and famous colours and have been very, very lucky.

If I fell out of a window, I’d fall onto a trampoline!

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

If I’m buying in Ireland I always listen to Gordon.

Any of the flat horses, I’m tipped off about a good one by Adam or Doyler. I’m very fortunate to have the inside track. They know I want to land the odd touch and have bought quite a few winners that way.

What horses do you currently have in training?

About 20 currently. Johnny Butler trains on the flat for me. Olly Murphy trained Beau Sancy for me who won three times last October. Olly’s a good trainer coming from the Gordon Elliott stable himself!

I have Askari with Gordon and Ticket To Ride as well who I own with Eamon Collins.

Balbriggan winning the Troytown in 2014 was a great result for Gordon and the team and for me. His price went from 20/1 the day before right down to 4/1 favourite at the off.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

I love to get one for the Scottish National or the Troytown, to go with a well handicapped horse and have a bet.

If there is one above the ordinary, that’s not the plan!

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

What you do notice in Ireland is how Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott stand out, especially for someone coming into the game here from outside.

I don’t know what the answer is, there are very good trainers around.

In the UK small trainers do turn over Henderson and Nicholls.

All you can do is compete with what you’ve got.

Irish racehorses over jumps and, of course Aidan O’Brien’s runners, are to be feared no matter what country they turn up in.

Giving your local trainer greater support can do no harm.

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

I’ve been very fortunate to play Premier League football and it’s like a drug.

When that was over, winning with your horse is a bit like when you score a goal. It’s the same kind of high of excitement and joy.

There’s no feeling like it.

Lee Power was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton