Choice Investment

Back in 1984, I had great success with a horse, Caddy, who won nine races. He was trained by Edward O'Grady. I paint horses; we're surrounded by horses, says Peter Curling

I've had a share in Kerry Orchid, a champion hunter chaser, in partnership with friends. He won twice at Cheltenham and twice at Aintree. And I've had a share in Ventana Canyon with Philip Myerscough. That horse won at Cheltenham too.

They were all lucky buys, just to be in the right place at the right time. It's a passion and it's part of my lifestyle. I now have a half-share in Inca Trail with Philip. He is a full brother to the horse Best Mate who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but I bought into him as a foal before Best Mate had done anything.

The more you have, the more you appreciate how lucky you are when a good one comes along. I wouldn't go crazy. It's not a huge investment. I've been very lucky. I've had a share in horses with friends, not on a big scale. Nothing more than £10,000. They're half-shares and quarter-shares.

I've had four runners at Cheltenham. I've never "unsaddled" outside the winners' enclosure. It's fun to share the horse with friends. It halves the costs, it takes the sting out of it and it's great fun. -  Catherine Foley