How did you get into racehorse ownership?

I WAS always a racing fan growing up in the US and have been known to like a gamble. However, I’ve ironically never owned a racehorse in the US.

I discovered National Hunt racing when I was living and working in Paris in the early 1990s. My colleague and I would often spend the weekends at Auteuil racecourse and I used the races as a way of brushing up on my French.

It was great to be able to head back to Auteuil with Kemboy at the beginning of this season and it brought back fond memories of visiting this track.

I moved to London from Paris and got into ownership via a couple of friends who had connections to trainers and knew how to source the horses.

We had some decent success over the years and my interests continued to grow from here.

What was your best day at the races and why?

A couple days spring to mind. First and foremost was seeing Kemboy win the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Ruby Walsh was on board and I’ll never forget when he waved in celebration as he crossed the finish line. Ruby retired straight after this win. All hell broke loose in the winner’s enclosure and I was there when he told the boss, Willie Mullins, that he was done. Being at the front and center of that historic moment was unforgettable.

Second was watching Kemboy win the Betway Bowl at Aintree, it was the first time I saw him win in person and it was pure magic. We had some night out on the town in Liverpool with the trophy, starting at the local Italian restaurant, San Carlo.

I also thoroughly enjoyed watching Kemboy take the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in 2021. Despite the race taking place behind closed doors, it was the first time Kemboy had won in non-Supreme colours and it was deeply satisfying that it never would have happened without my intervention.

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

I’ve been treated very well everywhere I’ve been, Leopardstown, Punchestown, Galway and everywhere in between.

There are several courses that I’ve always wanted to get to but haven’t managed to yet, Cork Mallow and Down Royal are at the top of the list.

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

Jump racing all the way! I love the rawness and the authentic grit and emotion. Tweeds over tails!

I like flat racing as well but it’s just over in an instant. Jump racing is the full novel, the horses encounter many obstacles along the journey before they can earn the right to fight for the finish.

I get so nervous watching my horses run, I don’t breathe, and that can be for six or seven minutes.

What qualities do you look for in a trainer?

Being champion trainer for the past 15 seasons certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s much more than that though with Willie Mullins. He does things the old-fashioned way, by feel and observation, and that’s what I like.

Closutton is filled with affection and admiration for horses, it’s everywhere there. Willie Mullins is at the gallops every morning overseeing the horses and their training regimes. This eye test determines each horse’s programme and when they are ready to hit the track next.

I used to get frustrated by his ever-evolving ‘plan’ but I now understand where it comes from and can laugh about it. There is never a question about integrity with Willie Mullins and he’s very well-met anywhere in the world.

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

That’s simple, tequila in the Owners Bar! Everything’s better with tequila. Hopefully that’s at least one good thing that comes from this interview.

What significance do your colours hold?

Captain Kangaroo was already named when we bought him and as a Mastercraftsmen he was bred for the flat.

His previous connections couldn’t get him through the stalls so they offered him to Willie Mullins. The idea was to bring the horse whisperer in, get him through the stalls, and maybe target the Melbourne Cup.

As a result, Captain Kangaroo carries the Aussie Rugby team colours. He’s stalls certified now but after some trial and error, it seems we have the only Mastercraftsmen staying chaser.

My other horse with Willie, Kemboy, runs in the blue and gold of my Alma Mater university in California, Berkeley. Robin de Carlow ran in the green, red, and yellow of Co Carlow. They all have a story, which is part of the fun.

When buying a horse, what do you look for?

As I live back in America, it’s all about getting horses for the big festivals and days I can come over for. Willie Mullins knows this and he has done a great job of presenting us with suitable candidates. There are of course no guarantees that any of them will be of festival caliber and I have had my share of underperformers and heartbreak.

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate and Kemboy is an incredibly special horse to me.

What’s next on the agenda for your horses?

Kemboy’s next target is the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. It’s a track that he loves and has had tremendous success at. We were delighted with his second behind Envoi Allen at Down Royal and we’re hopeful of another big run.

Kemboy seems as keen on his racing as ever and it takes a perfect race to beat him. This is likely to be his final season racing and we’re just going race by race and enjoying each one.

Captain Kangaroo finally put it all together at Cork Mallow recently, full credit to Kieran Callaghan for a terrific ride. Most owners, including me, have never seen him run. He’s been frustrating to own ever since his scintillating bumper win over Kilcruit that promised so much.

The next target for him is the Grade 3 Becher Chase at Aintree at the begining of December (all being well) and he currently stands at the top of the ante-post market.

What do you do with your racehorses when their racing days are over?

I’ve owned several top-class mares that have gone to the sales for breeding and done quite well. Maybe I’ll be involved in their offspring in the future.

One of our geldings, Sharp’s Choice, went to another owner for his grand-daughter to ride.

Others have been found suitable and comfortable retirement homes which is very important to me.

We’ve toyed with the idea of sending Kemboy eventing like Tiger Roll.

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

Syndication can be a great entree to ownership. I got involved with syndicates to gain access to Willie, who I didn’t know at the time, and to spread the risk of ownership.

Now that I know the industry better, I’d either own outright or with a very small group of close friends.

I think there’s always a place for smaller trainers as a lot of good horses fall through the cracks. Owners might give up on them when really a lot of tender loving care might yet prove their racing mettle.

Look at Hewick, what a story! I wanted Kemboy to go to Far Hills but when he didn’t I hopped on the Hewick bandwagon.

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

Do it for the love of the sport and for the love of the horses and not with funds you can’t afford to lose.

Savour the highs, they’re fleeting. Don’t get too frustrated by the daily setbacks, they’re normal, and be sure to relish the non-racing days.

Some of my favourite ‘racing’ days have been spent at the Closutton gallops with Willie and Jackie Mullins and the rest of the team.

All of us sitting around the table, listening to the day’s entries and enjoying some of the best Irish smoked salmon and a glass of bubbly.

Brett Graham was in conversation with Sophie Mellett