'I've been to Super Bowls and all major sports events but jump racing beats all'
The charismatic publican on the turn of events that led him to own racehorses
Cheltenham Festival-winning owners don't come more passionate than Aidan 'Red' Shiels, a New York-based publican originally from County Westmeath. Mark Boylan caught up with the man whose celebrations following Heartbreak City's second in the 2016 Melbourne Cup made headlines around the world.
I had an interest in racing before coming out to the US, but the first meeting I ever attended was Cheltenham.
I've gone to every big sporting event over here. Super Bowls, hockey finals, basketball finals – you name it, I've been there – but there's nothing to beat a day at National Hunt racing.
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Published on inSeries
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- We believed Dancing Brave could fly - and then he took off to prove it
- 'Don't wind up bookmakers - you might feel clever but your accounts won't last'
- 'There wouldn't be a day I don't think about those boys and their families'
- 'You want a bit of noise, a bit of life - and you have to be fair to punters'
- 'I take flak and it frustrates me - but I'm not going to wreck another horse'