IN these times, unfortunately as shown by the Davy Russell ‘incident’, much news, debate and advertising is created through social media.

It’s an area that all in racing are slowly enbracing. Savvy young trainers like Michael O’Callaghan here and Olly Murphy in England, have been quick to recognise its merit.

Those in the UK seem well ahead of their Irish counterparts. It’s a simply maintained shop window for your wares.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Kim Bailey was one of the first trainers in Britain to engage the public online, posting a simple daily blog, ending with a joke before it developed into videos. This increased the connection between the yard, its owners and the public in general – the potential owners. It seemed to coincide with a rise in his fortunes.

John Berry posts entertaining blogs and has created a following for his horses. It all advertises the training establishment, and for little cost.

Irish trainers are being offered a helping hand in this area through an upcoming course at RACE in October, to be delivered by Aoife Hanratty of PA Solutions.

The course is specifically aimed at trainers, scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, October 2nd, when there is no racing in Ireland.

It is open to anyone. However, public trainers will be able to claim back the cost of the course (€275) under the HRI Trainer Marketing Support Scheme.

A trainer can also nominate a member of staff to attend the course on their behalf.

A modern training business is more than just training horses and effective communication. Marketing and promotion will be essential to attract and retain the next generation of owners.