How did you get into racehorse ownership?

Sean Hanly and myself went to Ballsbridge in Dublin in 1980 and bought a colt foal. We had absolutely no experience whatsoever. We bought the horse for £700. Sean looked after him in Ballyhaunis until he was ready to go training. We sent him to Kevin Connolly.

After six months, Kevin wanted to see me. He asked who advised us on buying this horse. He said that we had bought a horse with three legs and to please seek professional advice before we ever considered buying a horse again!

What was your best day at the races and why?

Winning the Ballymore Hurdle in Cheltenham in 2019 with City Island (Grade 1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle). A first Cheltenham win for both owners (myself and my wife Bernardine) and trainer (Martin Brassil) in a race sponsored by our company, Ballymore.

The best part was that we had all of our families and friends there to celebrate with us.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

It’s an expensive hobby!

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

Naas Racecourse. I was hugely impressed by it. It’s a pity there isn’t more National Hunt racing there as it is a very fair track.

Leopardstown and Punchestown are also good.

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

I prefer National Hunt. The people that follow it are very passionate about the sport. The National Hunt festivals are always a great day out for everyone.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Experience, attention to detail and a good team.

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

First, second and third-placed owners/syndicates should all be brought together after a race to commiserate and celebrate, watch the race together and discuss the outcome.

How do you feel owners are treated when not having a winner?

Owners aren’t really considered when their horse doesn’t win.

What significance do your colours hold?

The colours are closely related to the Roscommon GAA football team – my home county.

Bernadine Mulryan, racing manager Paddy Aspell, Sean Mulryan and Martin Brassil after Longhouse Poet won at Navan last December \ carolinenorris.ie

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

Pedigree, out of winning dams, size and conformation.

What horses do you currently have in training?

I have six with Martin Brassil, one with Jessica Harrington and one with Henry de Bromhead that are racing age, among them Longhouse Poet, Exit Poll and Dancing On My Own.

I also have three horses with Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé in France and two Camelot colts with Richard Hughes in the UK.

I also have a share in a Camelot filly with John Gosden.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

We are looking forward to Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown, Galway and Listowel.

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

A small team of four-year-old horses that are progressing well. At the moment, the three most promising are geldings by Beat Hollow, Jukebox Jury and Martaline, two of which we have just named this morning – Who’s Houdini and Lonesome Boatman.

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

Having races in the programme for owners that haven’t had any more than two winners in the last season.

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

To deal with reliable and experienced people. Get into it for enjoyment and sport. Don’t expect to make money out of it. That would be a bad plan!

Sean Mulryan was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton