Aubrey McMahon: 'Gordon Elliott taught me that success in this sport comes from attention to detail'

I’ve long admired how some in the sport translate hands-on experience with horses into something bigger. Aubrey McMahon, founder of Temple Bloodstock, is one such figure.

After a successful career as an amateur jockey riding winners for top trainers and more than a decade in racing, Aubrey launched Temple Bloodstock in 2022 to give a broader group of racing fans an accessible route into racehorse ownership.

In this interview, we talk about his journey from the saddle to the sales ring, his view on syndicate ownership, and how he’s building something different in Irish bloodstock.

By Holly Harte

You grew up around racing and rode winners for some of Ireland’s top trainers - can you tell us how that shaped your view of the sport?

Growing up in racing gives you a very honest view of it and makes you mature quickly at an early age.

Riding winners for trainers like Willie Mullins, Ted Walsh & Gordon Elliott taught me that success in this sport comes from attention to detail, patience, & hard work.

Being inside top yards showed me how much goes on behind the scenes and how marginal gains really matter.

It also gave me huge respect for the people involved at every level - owners, staff, jockeys and trainers - and that's something I've carried with me into bloodstock and syndication.

What motivated you to step away from race riding and start Temple Bloodstock?

Race riding is an incredible experience and I was lucky enough to be able to pursue my childhood dream of being a jockey, but it's also very tough and very short-term.

As my riding career progressed, I became more interested in the broader picture - sourcing horses, placing them correctly and seeing them develop over time.

Temple Bloodstock came from a desire to stay involved in the sport long-term and to create something sustainable that allowed others to enjoy ownership without the traditional barriers. It felt like a natural progression to me, as opposed to a sudden change.

Temple Bloodstock launched in 2022 with a clear mission - can you tell us more about the philosophy behind it?

The philosophy was always about making racehorse ownership accessible, transparent and enjoyable, while still being competitive.

I wanted to offer people a genuine ownership experience - not just a name on a website.

That means clear communication, realistic expectations, and selecting horses with a proper plan behind them. The aim isn't volume; it's quality and long-term relationships with owners.

How does your experience around yards and in sales rings inform the horses you choose to syndicate?

From my time riding, working in yards and attending sales, you develop an instinct that in your mind and in your eye will or won't work. I'm always looking at the full picture - physical type, attitude, pedigree, where the horse is coming from and realistically where the horse might fit.

Just as importantly, I'm thinking about placement: which trainer suits the horse, what level it can compete at, and how it can give owners days out.

As much as you try you don't get it right all the time but that experience helps avoid a lot of common mistakes.

You’ve had real early success - Temple Bloodstock horses have already had multiple wins on the track. How important was that first winner for you and your owners?

The first winner was hugely important. It validated the approach and gave owners immediate belief in what we were building towards.

For me personally, it was a big moment - seeing owners enjoy that first success reminded me exactly why I started Temple Bloodstock. Momentum matters in racing, and that early success set a strong foundation.

Syndicate ownership is becoming more popular but many still see it as daunting. What would you say to someone considering joining a syndicate?

I would say don't overthink it. Syndicate ownership is one of the best ways to experience racing - you share the highs, spread the costs, and still get the buzz of ownership.

At Temple Bloodstock, I make sure owners feel involved and informed at every stage. You don't need prior experience - just an interest in racing and a willingness to enjoy the journey.

I pride Temple Bloodstock that it is just myself running the business so it is very personal and one to one, an owner can ring me anytime for a chat or a question on their horse and I think that means a lot. Owners involved have made so many friends thus far with other owners, which is fantastic and shows that there is more to ownership than just race day.

You work closely with top trainers like Willie Mullins - how valuable is that for your syndicate owners?

It's hugely valuable. Working with leading trainers means horses are given every chance to fulfil their potential, and owners get access to some of the best yards in the country.

Just as important is trust - knowing a horse is in the right hands gives owners confidence and peace of mind.

Those relationships have been built over time and are a big asset to the operation. It works well as I don't get in Willie's way and he's very good with his time to the owners when we visit Closutton.

Temple Bloodstock offers shares from as little as 2.5%. How does that change the ownership game for people watching racing at home?

It lowers the barrier completely. Someone can go from watching racing on television to being part of a horse's journey for a very manageable investment. That inclusivity is important - racing needs owners coming through, and smaller share options allow people to get involved without pressure.

Typically, we have 10-15 involved in each horse with race day tickets guaranteed for everyone and everybody is treated equally, it works well.

What qualities do you look for when selecting a horse for syndication?

Temperament is very important, size does not bother me but it must be a physical that is good enough to be trainable and straightforward.

After that, it's about suitability for the level that we're targeting and where the horse is coming from.

I always try to buy horses as well as I can price wise and from people I trust, thinking of an angle that will get improvement out of the horse. You always need to have an edge in this game.

Looking back at your career in bloodstock, from sales to syndicates, what’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned, and how has it shaped the way you operate today?

I have made loads of mistakes like everyone else has, that is life and I will make many more. If you are not making mistakes, you are not learning, you learn from them and move forward.

I'm honest with every owner and client and always act in their best interests. You don't get it right all the time but you try your best to get it right more than you do wrong.

That honesty shapes everything we do at Temple Bloodstock. Long-term trust matters more and short-term hype.

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for Temple Bloodstock over the next few years?

The aim is steady, sustainable growth. I want Temple Bloodstock to continue producing winners, building strong owner relationships and maintaining its reputation for doing things properly.

Expanding carefully while keeping the personal touch is very important to me.

Is there anything you’d like to say to new or aspiring owners tuning in today?

Ownership should be enjoyable. If you're thinking about getting involved, ask questions, find people you trust, and enjoy the journey.

At Temple Bloodstock, I'm always happy to talk people through the process - whether it's your first horse or your fiftieth.

And finally, could you give our readers a couple of horses to follow?

Honesty Policy — I was very taken by his run in the Long Walk on his first start in open company. He finished his race strongly and really stayed on through the line. With the division looking open, he has the profile of a horse who could develop into a serious contender in the staying hurdle ranks.

Speed For Fun — A very nice type purchased from Nicolas Clément after his time on the Flat in France. He will run in Temple Bloodstock colours over hurdles this season and is likely to return to the Flat at a later stage. He’s a versatile horse and one I’m confident will give us plenty to look forward to.

Luciole Des Bordes — A quality filly who has shown plenty of promise in two bumper runs, most recently at Punchestown on her seasonal debut. She should improve significantly from that run and we’re hopeful she can progress into a black-type performer.