THE current case before the Labour Court forcing Ballydoyle to defend its practices against the Workplace Relations Commission’s compliance orders is causing grave concerns in the racing industry.

There is an obvious contradiction in that if trainers are struggling to find staff, it indicates there is choice. And far from being forced to work long and unsocial hours, for those who do it, it is a case of doing something you love. In a time of economic recovery, employment levels are higher than at any time in recent years, and options are there.

No one condones exploitiation but that is not the case here.

There were two comments to pick out of the York aftermath last week to indicate just how racing is not just a regular job for those involved.

Apprentice Callum Rodriguez enjoyed a big day on Nakeeta in the Ebor and revealed afterwards: “Mr Jardine has been a good supporter of mine throughout the year and we’ve spent a lot of time with this horse over the last couple of months, going up on my Sundays off and riding out.”

Not perhaps obeying the legislation but that was his choice, to give up free time to work with the horse.

The day before, the John Gosden-trained filly Daban suffered an injury and needed medical attention at the track.

York tweeted an update on Daban: “cared for thru the night by her groom Emily, she is eating & stable. To be transferred to @MinsterEquine hospital today.”

Again, was that considered work? Staying the night with the injured filly, should her groom have been forced to leave her charge if her hours were up?

The connection with the animal makes racing a very different area than clocking into a nine-to-five office, shop, factory or industrial employment.

There are issues over the long hours worked but the “solutions” may cause more damage to the sport than is intended.