How did you get into racehorse ownership?
We bought a third of a horse Danny Zuko for £4,000 back in 2006/07 then got the bug! Danny Zuko is now retired and lives with us at our home in the Scottish Borders, along with four others. Donald McCain was his trainer. We subsequently asked Donald if anything interesting comes up then let us know… The phone never stopped ringing!
What was the best day at the races and why?
We believe it was at Aintree almost two years ago with our horse Kruzhlinin. He finished 10th in the Grand National. Forty horses ran, 18 finished the race.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
Injuries with the jockeys and horses and losing a horse.
In your experience, which racecourse treats owners the best and why?
We’ve never had a bad experience – only good ones.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Paul prefers the jumps and Clare prefers the flat. Paul loves the buzz and adrenalin of getting over the final fence while Clare likes the flat as there’s reduced possibility of injury.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
Honesty, passion, energy and drive! Winning ambition but not to the detriment to the horse. Care and the well-being of the horses are paramount at all times.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
We can’t comment as all our racecourse experiences have been in the UK so far.
How do you feel owners are treated at the races when not having a winner?
No different.
What significance do your colours hold?
Easily recognisable and successful.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
We take advice from bloodstock agents and trainers.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Too many to list – approximately 100.
(Westend Star ran out an impressive winner of the staying novices’ hurdle at Thurles recently following up on a maiden hurdle win at Down Royal on December 26th. Also now in the care of Gordon Elliott is Desoto County, who won a handicap hurdle at Thurles just before Christmas and pleased connections with an excellent third to Henry Higgins in the Coral.ie Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday and is in line for the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle at Cheltenham.Operating, Officer Sydney and Kashmiri Sunset are other horses based with the Co Meath trainer.)
What’s next on your agenda for your horse?
To win! Winning is everything!
Have you any horses to look forward to?
YES, All of them.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
DON’T!!!
Paul and Clare Rooney were in conversation with Olivia Hamilton