IRISH Olympic medallist Cian O’Connor had a huge number of horses to get home from both the USA and Spain, where he and his team were competing throughout the winter, following the cancellation of shows worldwide due to Covid-19.

Speaking from his home in Co Meath this week, he said the impact on the industry will be “immense” but people must adapt to the new norm for now. “The severity of this we can’t underestimate, globally can see already on the market. People have outgoings and concerns and it is hard to look too far ahead. I am saying to my team let’s look at every two weeks for now,” O’Connor said.

“I am fortunate that I don’t sell multiple horses on a weekly basis, which is some consolation. A lot of people with huge outgoing on a monthly basis will really have to tighten their belts. It affects everyone, nobody is exempt.”

O’Connor reported no problems with getting his horses home safely from Spain, while the USA-based horses were due to fly over the weekend. “The wonderful grooms always put their horses first and this was especially evident in the past weeks, as well as drivers and all the crew who really helped get all the animals safely home from Spain.”

In terms of the potential impact on the Tokyo Olympic Games, he added: “It will be devastating for people if they don’t reach their goals, but it is all secondary when you think about the lives affected by this.”

Closer to home, riders and producers owners and breeders will feel the pinch financially. Galway’s Damien Griffin of Lissyegan Stables said: “70% of my business is people based out on the continent, who have left horses with me for a number of months or years to be produced and I am very grateful to my owners in and outside of Ireland for their trust.

“So shows aren’t the biggest problem unless it goes on for a long period of time. For the four- to six-year olds you can do a lot at home, but for the older horses aiming for Dublin qualifiers, that will be a kick for owners. It’s very difficult.”

Griffin has a yard full of 35 horses “I am getting 20 horses out this week between Emerald today (Thursday) and another load for schooling at Ralph Conroy’s on Saturday. At Emerald, we paid online, the doors were open for us and we didn’t have contact with anyone,” he said. Asked are people buying horses, he replied: “100% not. There is not going to be many people taking the chance spending money.”