How did you get into racehorse ownership?

My father always kept a few half-bred breeding mares on our farm in Co Galway. I always had an interest in horses so I decided to go to Tattersalls. I picked out this lovely King’s Theatre filly with the intention of racing her and hopefully win races and then go on to breed with her. The next year and the year after I bought two more King’s Theatre yearlings. The three of them were very lucky and won three races each. Two of them are now breeding and one was sold to America won listed races.

What was your best day at the races and why?

The best day at the races would have to be when we had a double at Ballinarobe on Monday, June 15th 2009. Backtothekingsnest won the first race at 8.20pm and No Stopping Sarah came out in the next race afterwards and won. I think we set a record in Ballinarobe that day; it was the same owner, same trainer (Pat Fahy), same jockey (Paul Townend) and same stallion (King’s Theatre).

As a breeder my best day was when Eyes Of A Tiger won in Clonmel (October 2015) who I bred out of Backtothekingsnest. Recently my win in Down Royal on St Patrick’s Day with Dazzling Sarah, who I bred out of No Stopping Sarah, was the sweetest win of them all.

What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?

Horses getting injured and the costs if you’re not having the odd winner.

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

I think when you have a winner all racecourses go out of their way to make it special. My favourite would be Ballinrobe – it’s been a very lucky track for me. I’ve had four wins there.

When we had the double, they couldn’t have looked after us any better. After the first win by Backtothekingsnest they brought us into the small bar and there was a good few of us in it and we had a good drink. When we won the next race with No Stopping Sarah they brought us back in and I don’t think there was a drop left when we left!

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

Jump racing - a different crowd follows the flat racing.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Someone who is honest, tell you as it is and keep you well informed as to how your horse is going. Someone who is good at placing your horse to give you the best chance of a win. I think I have that in Pat (Fahy), his wife Natalie and son Conor. They run a great show and I’m delighted to be part of it. I’ve been in the winning enclosure with them 12 times and that speaks for itself.

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

A good few racecourses gives a meal when you have a horse running. I think they should all do it – it’s a nice gesture for the owner.

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

I suppose it’s like winning a match - it’s all about the winner.

What significance do your colours hold?

I had a company with white lorries and yellow bins; that’s where the colours came from.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

I look for size, good conformation, a good athletic walk and the best pedigree within your budget.

What horses do you currently have in training?

I have a full-sister to Dazzling Sarah broken and ready to go in training with Pat (Fahy). The vibes are good about her.

What’s next on the agenda for your horse?

Whatever she (Dazzling Sarah) does over hurdles will be a bonus. She’s a big strong mare built like a gelding, chasing will be her game. I’m really looking forward to that.

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

I have a lovely three-year-old out of Stowaway, a half-sister to Eye Of A Tiger. She will be broken this year. I have a two-year-old half-sister to Dazzling Sarah by Shantou.

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

I think they should have a few races for trainers with maybe fewer than 10 winners. I also think they should have a few races for owners/breeders of fillies. Anything that helps fillies has to be a good thing. We benefitted from the €5,000 Weatherbys ITBA National Hunt Fillies Bonus in March when Dazzling Sarah won in March.

I also think they should limit the number of horses that one owner can run. There was a race not so long ago with eight horses in the race were all owned by the same owner; that can’t be good for racing.

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

I think a good way to start is to lease a horse and have a small syndicate. You have no big outlay. All you have to pay is the training fees and you can have great days out and the costs are not too high.

James Coen was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.