Trainers
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TONY MULLINS: For a first-time-out horse, I like to make sure that they’ve had a few spins in the lorry or the trailer. You can’t just load them up for the first time and expect them to perform at the races. It’s a fair ordeal for a young horse to be put in the box and arrive at the races after being here at a quiet yard for a year training. Even if we only take them away for a canter, I always make sure they’ve had a few spins away. I also expect the grooms to be able to tell me how the horse has travelled, and if they might do better with a change of vehicle, or travelling on their own with more space.
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CLAIRE O’CONNELL: Often I borrow my neighbour’s lovely lead rein pony as a travel companion. If they have a buddy it helps them to travel better, I find. We only have a jeep and box, so I always take them out the front ramp. I find it so much safer, and when you load them they never try to run back, so I can load and unload safely myself if needs be.
Jockeys
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JOHN SHINNICK: The rosary beads are always on the driver’s seat here to look after me. If I see a magpie I salute them, and if I see a black cat I bless myself. I like having a good bop to Levels by Avicii to get myself revved up for the day’s racing as well.
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JACK CLEARY: If I’m getting a lift to the races I have to bring a pillow, and if I’m driving, I’ll either have a RedBull or a cup of coffee. I have a terrible habit of leaving way too early to get to the races, and then I have to sit there for ages waiting for my first ride.
Bloodstock agents
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CHARLES SHANAHAN: When you’re working the Irish sales, I have my trusty Jeep which turns into my wardrobe on the road. Multiple pairs of waterproofs and jackets, especially for the store sales as you can never predict Irish weather. Comfortable runners are key as you’re on your feet all day and the last thing you want is to be in pain, and I always bring plenty of Nurofen as everyone seems to get sales flu! The trusty power bank is also key as I tend not to charge my iPad fully at some stage throughout the sale. In all honesty, I throw everything that I have into my Jeep as I’m always afraid I’ve forgotten something, extra clothes, extra shoes, and loads of phone chargers!
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KATHRYN QUIRKE: When my husband Conor and I sold our Sioux Nation filly in 2024, we were able to afford to buy a two-box and, honestly, it’s the best thing we ever bought. If you can afford it and have plenty of use for it, it will change your life. When travelling to the sales, I usually bring everything but the kitchen sink, much to my husband’s protests! The main thing that I always have on hand is a quick first-aid kit. Horses love to hurt themselves, so it’s no harm to have a poultice and vet wrap wherever you go. We started using Precision microbes last year and now have the whole farm on it. Gut health is so important, and it helps with the stress of travelling with young stock. And Barry’s tea bags are non-negotiable!
Racing staff
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STEPH SEARLE: When I’m heading to the races, I always make sure that I have the animal’s passport, rugs, and a chifney. I always like to leave an extra half-hour early on my journey in case of any delays. I love the MTM two-stall boxes!
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EMMA CONNOLLY: My essentials would be haynets, sheets, a drum of water in case of a breakdown, and a box of fags! We like to plug some horses’ ears as it helps them to travel better, and if a horse is a better traveller in either the two-box or the truck, we’ll bring them in whichever vehicle they prefer. I also have a titanium hood that I use on some of the not-so-great travellers. I find that it helps them to switch off, and then they’re not as stressed out when you arrive at the races.