Champion Hurdle-winning trainer Carr to consider future due to staff shortage

John Carr, the man who trained Sublimity to win the 2007 Champion Hurdle, says he will consider quitting training unless the shortage of stable staff improves.

To solve the problem he is calling on the new Irish government to relax regulations surrounding permits for foreign workers.

Carr, who is 57 this year, continues to ride out each morning due to a lack of staff at his base outside Maynooth, and believes the incoming government must act to protect smaller trainers' livelihoods.

The flow of foreign nationals coming into Ireland has been halted since 2008 when visa restrictions were implemented, creating issues for trainers unable to find suitable Irish staff.

"If we can't get the staff, we can't keep going," said Carr, who has 12 horses, including hunters and young stock.

"We need the new government to open up the permits to allow foreign workers to come on board," he said.

Sublimity and Philip Carberry return in triumph after the 2007 Champion HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's going to take time for matters to settle down in the Dáil and it looks as though the outcome of the election won't be helpful for racing, but we'll have to meet our representatives as soon as they form a government. It's not going to happen overnight."

Carr, who also won the Listed Alleged Stakes with Sublimity in 2005, feels Irish racing can benefit from exploring the South American and South African pools of horsemen and women to solve the staffing problem.

"It would look like the ideal place for us to locate staff," he said. "It seems as though South African racing isn't in a great place at the moment and there are trained stablemen there who we could benefit from involving in Irish racing. Brazil is also a known source for talented horsemen."

Sublimity had the likes of Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace and Detroit City behind when winning the 2007 Champion HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

He added: "I'm lucky that I have cottages here for staff but there just doesn't seem to be enough people any more.

"We have a farm and other things to keep us going here but it wouldn't be viable to make a living on the number of racehorses we have."

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