How did you get into racehorse ownership?

The syndicate was started over 20 years ago by Tim Palin with one horse, China Castle, trained by Patrick Haslam, in Middleham, north Yorkshire.

Palin describes the syndicate as “a hobby that got out of hand.”

The syndicate has now developed into a provider of Group 1 winners and has been boosted by some champion racehorses along the way. This year sees over 110 horses racing in our blue and orange colours, placed with 25 trainers.

What was your best day at the races and why?

We have had over 850 winners in total under both codes so it’s pretty difficult to choose one!

MPR has owned two European champion colts and our winning record is headed by Group 1 victors Toormore, G Force and Ventura Storm (who was also runner-up in the 2016 St Leger at Doncaster).

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Most people would regard owning racehorses as an expensive luxury but with our model it gives people on all budgets a chance of ownership.

When was MPR Ireland set up?

While we had Backstage (a Grand National runner with Gordon Elliott back in 2011), MPR Ireland was started this year.

We have had plenty of runners in Ireland over the years with pattern successes including Toormore in the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and Kool Kompany in the Group 2 Railway Stakes, but we feel now is the right time to expand our operation here.

There are some wonderful racecourses and opportunities in Ireland, along with a very high standard of racing so it seemed like the obvious next move for our group.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

It certainly helps to be with a trainer who is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure but a good communicator is also key especially as we have plenty of enthusiastic syndicate members eagerly awaiting updates or entry details.

What significance do your colours hold?

Tim (Palin) is an avid Manchester City fan and the blue reflects that. The orange epaulettes are a real contrast to the blue, making the silks easily recognisable.

When buying a horse what do you look for?

The MPR team would all be present at the majority of sales in Ireland and Britain and we would also use some of the industry’s leading bloodstock agents.

Looking at the whole buying package, it’s quality rather than quantity that guides the purchasing.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Ice Cold In Alex is a three-year-old colt by Olden Times who won at two over five furlongs at Dundalk. He was our first MPR Ireland runner and ran a very creditable second in Cork a couple of weeks ago on his seasonal reappearance. We feel he can only improve with age, so we are delighted to have him on the team.

Hollow Tree is a Grade 1-winning son of Beat Hollow and is in training with Gordon Elliott. He has been a high-class performer over hurdles, so we are looking forward to his chasing career and also hope to aim him at the cross-country races.

How is each syndicate split up?

Our share sizes start from as little as 2.5% in any one horse, so all the perks of racehorse ownership can be enjoyed for a relatively small amount of money. There are never more than 20 shareholders in a horse and each horse is made up from a different group of owners. Each horse varies in price, so there is something to suit everyone.

A monthly fee on top covers your percentage of the training fee.

Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. 2yos/unbroken horses)

We have a lovely two-year-old, Port Lincoln, by Data Link, a Grade 1 winner and first season sire who is a son of War Front. He’s in traiing with Ken (Condon). We’ll see him running later in the year.

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

To give it a go! We are here to provide members with a choice of involvement in either or both codes of racing and at affordable prices. You can experience the full benefits of racehorse ownership and enjoy the fun and success along the way.

We are always thrilled to welcome new owners and very happy to answer any questions a potential syndicate member may have before committing to a share.

We have a brand new website which is constantly being updated with shares available, latest news and most importantly… winners!

Charlotte Holmes was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton

The AIRO have secured free entry for members to the Curragh on Sunday, July 2nd, featuring the Pretty Polly Stakes.

Contact Ciara Doyle at the Curragh on 045 441205 by Monday, June 5th to book. tickets.