Blog Twenty - 18/07/2022
Good Monday Morning
As always, I like to start and end the blog with a little thought; “the man who ask a question is a fool for a minute. The man who does not ask, is a fool for life.”
There has been a lot of recent debate regarding prize money but not much appetite from anyone to do anything about it. Besides prize money desperately in the dark ages in the UK, I have a closely related different issue I have found in my little time as a owner and trainer in the UK. The costs put to owners. They are exorbitant and ridiculous. In South Africa where I’m from, Australia, America, Hong Kong, Japan etc, most of these costs are subsidized by the racing clubs or track owners, such as Heath Fees, transport to and from racing, jockeys fees and insurance etc. The UK offers the lowest prize money but on top of that by far the highest costs added to training fees in the world. I have for example, Mr Fayez and Expressionless in training as an owner and trainer. Mr Fayez has earned just over £3800 in 2 months and it has all gone to the BHA\Weatherbys/Jockey costs. I have not been paid out a penny and won’t be. In fact this month I’ll owe money again. This does not include training and transport fees to and from racing. It’s purely BHA/jockeys and Weatherby’s costs. These costs should be subsidized for owners and trainers who race for poor prize money at the least. Yes, I understand racing is funded differently in the UK to the rest of the world, but where is the want to protect the owner? Surely the bookmakers can be enticed into funding this cost? Most of all, where is the ROA? The first thing they did when the jockeys insurance increased, was pass this added cost on to the owner. British racing has the greatest, most historic product in the world and this needs to be protected and modernized to keep up with the rest of the world. All the signs are there that change is imminently needed. I’m not going to go into prize money as that’s another whole debate, but the owners cost should honestly be re looked at. There is way too much being put on the owner and that is why a lot of horses are being sold to be exported.
I am so happy with our yard and where we are with the horses. Our whole yard, all 5, should run in the next 4 weeks at some stage. They are in a good place and working well. All we need now is some rain and a bit of luck on our side.
We have built up a lovely team of people working with us and it would be great if we were to be a little more supported with horses. We have space and need more horses, so if you’re reading this, please join us and let us welcome you.
The whip debate has been interesting. While I see points of both sides to the story, I think it’s important that British Racing, whatever way they decide to go, stay in line with the rest of the world. Racing is an international sport. It would be a shame for British jockeys for example, who are amazing and among the worlds best, to now be restricted and lowered in standard by style of riding. Personally I am happy with the changes but I just think the whole world should be on the same page. The Pro-Cush doesn’t hurt anyway and more time and money should be spent demonstrating this. I gave myself a good few whacks last week just to check and didn’t flinch, even to my riders horror as they saw me whacking my own leg.. Demonstrate the perception, educate the fans. Don’t give up what a great product racing has. As with rugby or cricket, whatever is decided, the whole world is bound to that, keeping the sport international and so that everyone understands it and interprets the rules the same. It’s better for betting and turnover..something that generates prize money and keeps owners costs down!
This weekend is the King George & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and it’s one of my favorite races. It’s a pity the Derby winner is out but it’s still a great field and let’s hope they all turn up and we are in for a great race. I would love to see a filly like Emily UpJohn win it. Once the Derby winner was out of this race and Emily UpJohn added into the mix, a wise racing encyclopaedic said to me, every cloud has a silver lining……
That’s all for this week, stay in touch following our social media and I leave you with this thought for the week; challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.