Horse racing has been a lifelong passion for Paddy Hale, a love of the sport that began in childhood and was inspired by his father’s own interest in racehorse ownership.
A devoted racing enthusiast, Paddy spoke to us about how that passion first developed, his journey as an owner over the years, and the unforgettable day at Ballinrobe on Monday when Native Speaker returned to winning form with a memorable victory in the McHale Mayo National.
Where did the interest in horse racing come from?
This is a funny story actually! I went to boarding school in Tipperary, and whilst the sixth years were staying in school to study for the leaving cert at the time, the juniors were also studying for their exams too. This little 4th year chap started a scrap and mid fight he says to me "what time is it?", I said “it's ten to three”, he said "I want to watch the Derby" and I said “what the hell is the derby?!” So, I bought him up to the sixth year room to watch The Minstrel win the Derby in 1977, 4 years later he rode Shergar to win the Derby, that young man was Walter Swinburn, who sadly passed away ten years ago this December. He rode a few horses for my dad over the years as well. Any time I would have seen him, I would always say, I think I was winning that fight that day!
Have your family always been involved in Racehorse Ownership?
My father had been in school with Paddy Prendergast Junior as a young lad and they had kept in touch over the years. My father had asked Paddy to buy him a horse; he went on to buy a yearling with Paddy and a national hunt horse with Arthur Moore. The yearling went on to win a few races including at the Galway Festival and he went on to go juvenile hurdling as a three-year-old. He won at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, did nothing at Cheltenham or Aintree because the ground was too soft. But he then went on to win three grade 1's in nine days at the Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals, when the ground was to his liking. So, it's fair to say that really kicked off my interest in horse racing!
My dad is 91 now, I definitely inherited his racing bug! Myself and my brother who lives overseas in London, have always had horses for as long as I can remember with Patrick Prendergast, Arthur Moore and now in the last ten years with Henry de Bromhead. We've brought store horses and winning point to pointers over the years. My brother wouldn't have much interest in the flat, I have a few flat horses with Paddy Twomey myself, if I was pressed I’d say I still prefer the National Hunt but to be honest I just love the sport.
How did you purchase Native Speaker?
He was a winning point to pointer; Henry has a couple of good guys that pick these horses out and he was one of them they recommended, he was within our price range, so we bought him. He was a decent novice chaser, but lost his way a bit, Henry admitted that himself. He had a small procedure in January and to be fair to Henry he said wait until we get good ground with him this summer, he will pay his way!
What's it like having horses with Henry?
Henry's a gentleman, I would have known Henry over the years, but when Arthur Moore was getting towards the end of his training career we were looking for someone new and I thought let’s give Henry a go. He's a total gentleman and he's great with communication, I can pick up the phone any time and I will get an immediate response. I enjoy going down to Tramore to see the horses, we would get lunch with Henry as well, he's very approachable and just a lovely guy to have horses with.
What's the best thing you would say you've got out of the experience?
Having horses that can compete on the big days, and in decent races that can take you to all these big festivals is just fantastic. It's great to have a horse that can compete in these big handicaps. I have a horse called Amirite that ran in the Aintree Grand National this year, he was 100-1 but it was just great to be there on the day with the whole family there to experience it with me. I enjoy the big days for sure!
What was that day like in Ballinrobe?
I got a huge thrill that day! Unfortunately, I was on my own, my wife was overseas and my brother couldn't make it over. But it was an amazing day, there was a huge crowd there. It was my first time in Ballinrobe, it's a fantastic racecourse, and the weather was stunning. We had a few quid on at a good price too which is always good, but it was great to see him back to winning ways and to the horse we know he can be. I got to meet JP McManus and Jim Furyk on the day, which was great, we had a chat in the winners room! I bumped into an old friend of mine that I hadn't seen in years, he came into the parade ring with me and got his photo taken, so it was a great day all round. The 6-hour round trip definitely felt shorter on the way home!
What are the plans for Native Speaker?
He got nine pounds for winning, it's probably reasonable considering the way he did it. He could go to the Midlands National in Kilbeggan which I actually won last year with Amirite. I'd love him to run in the Galway Plate, but he might have to go up in the weights to get in.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting involved in racehorse ownership, but hasn’t take the leap yet?
Look it's an expensive sport, you have to be prepared to write off the capital costs when buying a horse, but you hope that they can collect prize money on the way. It's a phenomenal sport and you have to take the lows with the highs, which there are plenty! Syndicates are an affordable way into it with family and friends, I would encourage anyone thinking about it to get involved.
If you're interested in exploring racehorse ownership opportunities and discovering the stories behind the sport, contact us on [email protected] to find out how to get involved.
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