AS the National Hunt season in Ireland gets into full swing it is also demonstrating the huge gap that exists between the power of the bigger yards and the challenges for survival faced by the medium to smaller stables.

At this time last year the current top three trainers, Gordon Elliott, Willie Mulllins and Henry de Bromhead, were also the top trio, though the order was different. Seismic changes in ownership profiles in each yard have happened since, and it is likely this trio will continue to add substantially to their winnings.

The gap that exists is most graphically illustrated by the fact that these three trainers have won more than €4.4 million for their owners, a hugely commendable achievement. A total of 20 other trainers in the current season have won €100,000 or more, and their combined earnings are almost €3.9 million, or half a million less that the top men.

The success of all trainers, as well as being a reflection of their ability, is hugely dependent on the support of owners. Without their capital injection there would be no horses to train. Owners are free to send their horses wherever they wish and it is not unnatural for many to try to get into the stables of the leading handlers.

A look further down the list reveals household names that, for a variety of reasons, are not hogging the racing headlines every week. Many of these are grabbing their chances well, as indicated by their strike-rates.

The top three trainers have 20 of the 30 horses with the most earnings this season in Ireland. It is worth listing the trainers who have the other 10. John Ryan trains both Kylerue and Draycott Place, while Noel Meade, Shark Hanlon, Tom Mullins, Denis Hogan, Garrett Power, Eddie Harty, Denise O’Shea and Patrick Neville handle the rest.

The three leading owners are Gigginstown House Stud, J.P. McManus and Susannah Ricci. The last-named has all her horses with Willie Mullins, while the modus operandi of the main pair are very different. Michael O’Leary’s 90 wins have been provided by five trainers (including Willie Mullins), while J.P.’s 69 winners have been sent out by 22 different trainers.

Nothing will change the picture soon but this does provide food for thought.