STABLE staff are pressing trainers to increase wages and expenses. The current hourly rate of €9.75 has not moved since 2008 though some trainers already pay significantly more.

The Irish Stablestaff Association wants the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association to raise the rate to €11.40. Talks are ongoing but the ISA says that the IRTA won’t budge beyond €10.25.

ISA chairman Bernard Caldwell said: “This is a big issue. People are leaving the racing industry due to the long hours and low wages. This is highly skilled work and trainers are crying out for staff. Trainers say they cannot afford to pay more because training fees are static but I believe that owners would not begrudge stable staff the increase.”

Michael Grassick, IRTA chief executive, said he was disappointed that the ISA had brought the issue into the public arena. “This is a sensitive matter and talks are ongoing as far as I am concerned. It’s not helpful to air these matters in the media and I am not going to discuss figures.”

RACE PAY

The ISA also wants staff to get €60 for a day’s racing (up from €40) and €80 for weekends and evenings (up from €60). Rates for working bank holidays and taking horses to the UK are also up for review.

Caldwell acknowledged that many trainers are struggling and competing fiercely for owners. “Undercutting goes on in every business but staff wages are way below where they should be. A solution has to be found.”

The ISA also wants to see the Turf Club do more to ensure that stable staff receive prize money pool bonuses. “We know this is not being honoured by some trainers and we are going to get tough on that,” Caldwell said.