Johne Murphy, syndicate manager

FORMER Munster rugby player Johne Murphy, who also had a successful stint with Leicester, was passionate about racing from an early age through following his father’s horses in training with Kevin Prendergast.

On retirement from rugby five years ago he set up two syndicates, the Wait For Us Syndicate which included former team mates Conor Murray, Keith Earls, Andrew Conway, and Damien Varley.

“We have nothing in the Wait For Us Syndicate at the moment. We were headed to the next Horses In Training sales to look for a cheap purchase but that’s on hold obviously.”

The Rugby and Racing Syndicate has 20 shares of which currently 19 are taken.

“With regard to the Rugby and Racing Syndicate we continue on as normal, there is money in the account, our method for this syndicate is not a monthly sub, you join for a fee.

“Both the horses in the syndicate were due to run about now, both are with Joseph O’Brien and continue in training for now – four-year-olds, Gee Rex and Memyselfandmoi.

“I was looking to add some one or more National Hunt horses to the string but that’s on hold as well.

“With the two runners the syndicate has, they have to be regarded as assets. We have a high turnover and we just have to keep going and reassess when ‘normality’ returns.

“We might be back racing in May under the same recent structures, where at least we can race and hopefully win prize money.

“Everyone has to do their best. There’s lots to look forward to.”

Gerry McGrath, owner and breeder

“I have six horses in training up with Jessica Harrington, I just sold one. We’re still hoping racing will come back in three weeks’ time unless there is a massive surge in the virus

“All the trainings been done, there’s no point in taking them home. That would mean no chance of a run if you stop training and a waste of money.

“It’s such a shame that racing got cancelled. HRI had shown a blueprint for it to go forward and the conditions were being adhered to.

“But because of the irresponsibility of a few the Government had to impose a blanket ban on all activities.

“I thought it was very irresponsible for Cheltenham to go ahead, 60,000 people intermingling for four days in close quarters. I suppose they thought they would get away with it and with the money involved as well.

“It’s all so shocking a lot of people are going to lose jobs. All those point-to-point people who are relying on selling on their horses and the pre-trainers and small trainers with such tight margins.

“It could be very expensive for owners in syndicates. The members would probably have nowhere to bring their horses home to if not in training. I can turn mine out for the summer, won’t cost much except for some feed. But if you are essentially paying livery for your horses it’s quite a drain.”

John Breslin

New York-based John Breslin has had many successful horses trained by Tony Martin.

“I have 10-12 horses, all in training with Tony – we’re joined at the hip!

“I haven’t spoken to Tony yet but he continues to train I’m sure adhering to all government and HSE regulations.

“I will keep what I have with him for the rest of March and up until April 19th but after that you would have to review the situation.

“It really is a Catch 22 situation. You have to keep them in training and primed but can’t race them, so it’s a waste of time and money.

“But if you suspend training. It’s impossible for the trainers and staff to have them immediately back to race fitness. And then it’s winter.

“We’ll just have to hope they can race again in some manner after April 19th. And really hope someone comes up with a vaccine soon

“I really enjoyed the Irish racing under the recent behind closed doors scenario as here in New York I could watch Irish racing every day!

“I can bring my horses home for the summer but I have a limited amount of stabling and to land 10 racehorses in on top of foals, yearlings, four-year-old, well you can imagine.

“It’s a tough, tough call for everyone relying on racing for an income.”