How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I purchased my first point-to-pointer from my cousin in Northern Ireland when I was 18.

What was your best day at the races and why?

My first Cheltenham Festival winner Zemsky on March 18th, 2011, in the Foxhunter, trained by Ian Ferguson with Derek O’Connor riding.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Having a good horse and losing him to injury – it’s very disappointing and frustrating.

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

I haven’t been to all of them but I have been to all the main festivals and some of the smaller tracks. I’ve enjoyed them all.

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

I prefer National Hunt but I do have a few flat horses. I’ve hunted since I was seven years old, been going to point-to-points since I was 10 and it was a natural progression to go to National Hunt racing.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Whenever they get a new horse, to be able to place it in the right races.

Consistency, communication and being like-minded.

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

Over the last 10 years most racecourses in Ireland have really upped their game, creating better stabling, and better hospitality. You always like a course when you’ve had a winner there!

How do you think the current crisis will impact on racing in general and on ownership in particular?

When Covid-19 began, I thought it would be easier to buy horses during the sales season; that was not the case, good horses were still in demand. Good for the breeders and the people who are producing young horses.

Unfortunately, we could potentially lose some of the smaller trainers and possibly a percentage of owners.

What significance do your colours hold?

The strip of our local football team, Airdrieonians, had a diamond on their strip and were locally known as ‘The Diamonds’.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Pedigree and conformation. A good step and a nice eye.

What horses do you currently have in training?

Allart and Dusart with Nicky Henderson, Ash Hill and Banbridge with Joseph O’Brien, Crossford with Charlie Hills, Crosshill with Jessica Harrington, Flinck with Philip Hobbs, Galvin with Gordon Elliott, Induno with David Pipe, Lasparas and Stattler with Willie Mullins. And some young horses with Ian Ferguson.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

All roads lead to Cheltenham in March and Aintree, Fairyhouse and Punchestown.

Roll on 2021!

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

Lasparas won a five-year-old geldings’ maiden at Loughbrickland a couple of weeks ago and the younger horses haven’t raced yet.

I purchased a Blue Bresil gelding, at a Goffs sale, who I recently lost to colic.

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

I don’t think National Hunt racing in Ireland can get much more competitive. The smaller trainers are like the rest of us – they need better horses.

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

When you purchase a horse, write off the money! It can be a lonely place when your horses are not running well.

Ronnie Bartlett was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton