Yearlings could be affected if no-deal Brexit leads to long delays

A no-deal Brexit in the coming months has many possible implications for the bloodstock industry, including tariffs and delays at customs points, while the value of sterling recently fell to its lowest levels against the euro since the financial crisis, reducing the buying power of UK buyers in the euro zone.

Even if Britain is granted listed third country status for export health certification, there would still be the prospect of lengthy queues at ports unable to cope with the increase in customs workload.

As well as inconveniencing breeders, one transport boss in County Tipperary has expressed concerns that such delays may have a severe impact on the youngstock in his care.

"My biggest worry would be for the yearlings if they introduce any delays," said Patrick Keane of Ballinroe International Horse Transport.

"Everything is a routine for them at this time of year and you don't want to have any extra activity around them.

"If you take ten or 12 lorries going over to the yearling sales, it's normally a straightforward journey.

"But if the boxes were to be held up at customs and you've strangers walking around the boxes, that increases the likelihood of a yearling doing something they normally wouldn't - they could easily get a fright and injure themselves.

"That's a real concern when you think of the number of yearlings going over to sales like Book 1 and Book 2."

Set up by Patrick's father Tony Keane in 1990, Ballinroe Transport has grown to rank among the leading horse transport companies in Ireland and maintains a fleet of more than ten lorries.

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