‘Oddly, although I run Leopardstown Racecourse, I don’t really bet’

Are you a saver or a spender?

I would say I’m a cautious spender, always expecting that rainy day to happen, although thankfully there have only been a few showers along the way so far. My parents were also savers, and I think they provided the role models for me. While always looking after my and my three brothers’ needs, they also put money aside for when they had passed away.

Do you shop around for better value?

I am very conscious of always looking around and seeing what the market is doing, where the best value might be and checking on price comparison sites to reassure myself I have the best deal. It can be a bit time consuming at Christmas, mind, when I walk around the shops four times only to come back to the first shop I saw the item in.

‘I think me and risk just don’t go together’

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Will giving my dad money as a thank you leave him with a tax bill?

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What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?

It would have to be the car. I live in the midlands and often travel into Dublin four or five times a week. I wanted comfort first so as to find the increasingly alarming M50 queues bearable. The car, a Jaguar – when I was young, I always had dreams to get one – cost in excess of €50,000, but is worth every penny.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

Recently I purchased a new grey leather sofa set for the house. It was already half the price, but I managed to find enough marker pen marks on it to get a further 15 per cent off. I was very chuffed with the results and the bargain I got – and all the pen marks came off after some research into stain removal.

How do you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

If I can shop local, I will, as it’s the only way to help sustain the very local economy. It would be a very sad day for society if all the characterful retail shops disappeared from our towns’ high streets, as they provide both interest and colour. The larger stores are now bland and colourless and are the same in every location.

Do you haggle over prices?

Only if I think there is either a reasonable chance of success or that there is due cause. If not, then I’m happy with my purchase, anyway. Also, going back to the local retailer, they have their overheads, and the price is the price. It’s up to the purchaser to decide if it’s value for money or not, not the retailer.

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?

Well, I’ve stopped buying holidays. I’m an avid traveller, both overseas and at home, and if nothing else this unnatural break in our habits has taught us is that there are amazing destinations to explore at home in Ireland.

Do you invest in shares?

No, I’m too cautious a saver for that.

Cash or card?

Increasingly card. Very little cash is being carried – only the €1 coin needed for the trolley for the weekly shop.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

I bought a really nice coat from Reiss at Kildare Village when out with my sons for Christmas shopping. I think the coat will make its debut at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival this year. We are very excited at welcoming back the public to the racecourse at last.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

Not that I recall. I remember starting out in life on my career path in London – money was very sparse, living in a bedsit, and I recall going to the cash machine and there being none. Bank of Dad came to the rescue that time, but from then on, I vowed never to be in that position again. Thankfully, that has been the case.

Have you ever lost money?

I’m always losing my cash card, but I’ve never lost money, touch wood.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?

Oddly, although I run Leopardstown Racecourse, I don’t really bet. I only ever bet big monies just for the interest on occasions for the big races but, contractually, we are not allowed to bet on our own courses in any case. That dampens any temptation. In any case, my tips are as successful as the next person’s. Not!

Is money important to you?

Yes. As it’s a means to an end, it is needed, and it provides security for my family and I, now and in the future. All being well.

How much money do you have on you now?

As an emergency pot, I have €40, plus the €1 coin for the shopping trolley!

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea