Challenges facing the National Hunt industry

Sir, - Following the recent ITBA Seminar in Tattersalls Ireland I am prompted by the invitation from Leo Powell in his editorial in The Irish Field to express my views on some of the matters discussed and make some suggestions for the future. I do so as an owner and breeder in a very small way, with a passion for thoroughbred racing.

There are many challenges. The number of horses in training is falling, as are the number of trainers and jockeys. This of course causes reduced employment in the industry. It also reduces demand for stock and leads to reduced prices for breeders.

Consequently we have overproduction, particularly of the lower quality animal, and there is the added competition from the French market.

I was shocked recently at figures for coverings in 2015 by many NH sires of upwards of 300 mares. We do not have the markets for those numbers.

There are a number of areas that the industry can address and which can only help in the future.

Education is key in any industry. The ITBA can take the lead here. There is a need for more seminars, workshops and courses to help breeders and owners improve their skills and management.

The result will be that quality will improve. The focus can be on areas like conformation, stallion selection, nutrition, finance and other relevant matters.

Prize money is not being distributed in a manner that benefits the smaller owner. There is too much emphasis at the higher level and on a reduced number of runners. The number of horses in training is key to employment and to successful breeding.

Regularly we see big prize money for races with a small number of runners and all runners getting paid. That is not good for a competitive sport or for revenue from betting. Horses should not get paid for turning up.

The savings could be used to either put on more races or improve the return for lower ranked races. Journalist Richard Forristal made lots of good sense at the seminar and his input should be heeded.

Incentives are needed to reverse the trend of falling numbers on the track. The reality is that racing is an expensive business and costs to owners and trainers are high.

Charges by HRI need to be addressed. If we want to encourage more racing owners, then unjustifiable set-up and annual repeat charges must be dropped.

Having to pay for colours, names, syndicate registration and others is a disincentive. The fees being charged to trainers are helping in driving the smaller ones out of the business.

All fees and charges must be justifiable and transparent. HRI must adapt to changes in the industry and need to display more business acumen in how they conduct their affairs.

Racecourses have improved facilities in recent years but much is left to be accomplished. Catering and customer service are still below standard, as is the quality of food in many places.

It is very apparent, as a regular racegoer, that there are far too many staff evident on our racecourses and surely savings can be made which could be channelled towards promoting the sport. As an owner I have had to queue for 30 minutes and pay €30 for a video after winning a race.

Marketing of the sport is important and research is required to find out why people don’t go racing, particularly the young with disposable income. I have asked many such people and they will say that it does not hold any attraction. They also quote “gambling” and “cruelty” as reasons.

While those involved know differently, we must sell the correct message and enhance the image of the sport. It must be explained that use of the whip is an encouragement rather than a punishment and does not hurt as it might appear.

Having small bets can be fun and there is no need to gamble to enjoy a day at the races. We must not be afraid to address those issues. Racecourses such as Ballinrobe, Kilbeggan, Listowel and Downpatrick are great examples of community involvement, providing great entertainment and very successful meetings.

In conclusion I do not have all the answers to the present difficulties in the NH industry, but I hope that my comments/suggestions will in some way help the debate to progress going forward.

Change is inevitable in any business and must be embraced, and all concerned must show a more businesslike approach and work constructively on a vision for the industry. - Yours etc.,

DAVID McHUGH

Kells

Co Meath

Letters to the Editor should be addressed to The Editor, The Irish Field, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12. Name, address and telephone number must be included for verification. Letters are published at the Editor’s discretion and the Editor reserves the right to edit letters within reason.