IT is almost a year since coronavirus’ insidious wave began to steadily sweep over the entire planet, developed world and third world countries alike. The Irish sport horse industry, like every other industry and sector, nationally and internationally, has suffered an enormous body blow over the last 11 months. Economist Jim Power estimated at the outset of it that as much as €400 million could be wiped off the €816 million sector by the end of 2020.

As we rapidly approach the first lockdown anniversary, it’s almost hard to remember how innocently we all took for granted our inherent freedoms to travel where we please, conduct business as we see fit, mix and gather at will. The world has truly turned upside down and inside out in the last 12 months.