FOR most racegoers scanning through the card prior to Saturday’s Grade 2 bumper at Leopardstown, the name of trainer Padraig Butler won’t be instantly recognisable. With just three horses in training, it’s hugely exciting to be represented at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival by Da Capo Glory.

While I am under no illusions as to the enormity of the task ahead, I am very much looking forward to being part of what will undoubtedly be a great occasion.

A journey which began with myself, and my brother JJ, buying a three-year-old filly, has taken us from our local point-to-point, to one of the biggest race days in Irish jump racing.

That filly, later named Delight Of Dubai, won for us at Bandon ridden by Darragh Allen, before subsequently being sold to Noel Williams in the UK. She has since gone on to win three races for new connections.

Horses were part of our upbringing, with my parents always keeping a couple of National Hunt broodmares.

One of my earliest memories is attending Knockanard point-to-point, to witness my first cousin, James Dullea, ride a winner for my uncle Batty (Butler).

From a young age, I helped out with the horses at home, preparing foals in anticipation of a trip to Tattersalls, which also meant a day off school!

Weekend job

By the age of 14, I had a weekend/summer job with trainer Thomas O’Leary. I spent eight years there, at a time when he had some very decent horses in training.

The likes of Newmill, Scarthy Lad and Preists Leap to name a few. I used to ride Preists Leap out at home, so was lucky enough to get a trip to Cheltenham and Aintree with the horse.

Brian Hayes, now an established jockey, started with Thomas shortly after I did. We got invaluable experience, galloping and schooling some lovely young horses, during the years we spent there.

When I was 15, I rode at the Courtmacsherry Strand pony races and when I was 16, I went on to have a few rides in bumpers.

After secondary school, I went to CIT to study Sustainable Energy Engineering. During my first two years, I was still working with Thomas O’Leary but then moved on to help to my cousin, James Dullea who was training at the time.

I then went to San Francisco for a further 12 months, where I worked in engineering. On my return, I gained full-time employment with Novartis in Ringaskiddy but always retained a passion for horses.

After training Delight Of Dubai to win at Bandon, we were fortunate enough to win the same race the following year with Cailin Dearg, a Getaway mare, again with Darragh Allen on board. This mare was sourced as a foal by my uncle Batty Butler.

She subsequently went on to win a Wexford bumper for James Dullea and sold to Rose Dobbin.

Worked out

Da Capo Glory, a horse I bought for the Red Strand Syndicate was purchased at the 2020 Land Rover Sale. He is the first horse for the Syndicate, so thankfully it has worked out brilliantly for them so far.

My brother JJ who runs the family dairy farm, rides out with me and is a huge part of the training operation. His partner, Fiona Dowling, is currently based in the UK but is coming back in March and will be a welcome addition to the yard.

My wife, Katherine, who was instrumental in encouraging me to apply for the trainer’s licence is a great support system to me throughout this endeavour.

Da Capo Glory was my first runner under rules, after I was granted my licence March 2021. He made a highly encouraging debut when third in a Tipperary bumper towards the end of that month. He was then fifth in a strong renewal of the Goffs Land Rover Bumper the following month.

He benefited from a break when returning to win at Galway in October. I was thrilled to send out my first winner, as I only held the licence for eight months.

Second winner

My second winner, also by Fame And Glory, was bought by myself and JJ at the 2019 August Sale.

Subsequently named Fons Vivus after our local parish priest’s newsletter (“The Living Well” - Latin). A half-sister to nine-time winner Final Nudge, she won her point-to-point at Boulta, then went on to win a bumper at Cork six weeks after.

She looks a very promising mare. At the moment, I have just the three in training, as I also work with MSD in Brinny.

Da Capo Glory takes us to the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend. He goes there in great form and hoping for a good run. With the first four or five horses in the betting for the Cheltenham festival bumper amongst the opposition, we are well aware of the battle he faces!

Padraig Butler was in conversation with John O’Riordan