Trainer stress highlighted in response to criticism from racing staff

The stresses and strains faced by trainers was reiterated by the National Trainers Federation (NTF) on Friday in response to a number of flashpoints involving horsemen and racecourse officials highlighted in recent days.

Roderick Duncan, clerk of the course at Doncaster, plus former clerk Katie Stephens and ex-equine welfare officer Wayne Hardie, spoke out this week about the alleged abusive treatment they had gone through at the hands of aggrieved trainers and jockeys, and the mental distress it had caused.

Remembering one incident during her time at Bath, Stephens, who has since left racing, said: “We had an incident when a horse got loose. The trainer involved went apoplectic at me and I never thought he could go that mental; he tore a strip off me in front of everyone.

“I thought it was inappropriate and it was the most horrendous experience I had clerking. I should have never been spoken to like that; it shocked me.”

While not condoning such actions, Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the NTF, highlighted the difficulties faced by trainers and that such incidents could be caused by a number of stresses handlers have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

Arnold said: “In recent days, the racing media has reported incidents of trainers verbally abusing officials on the racecourse. Any incident of this kind is regrettable and cannot be condoned, so the National Trainers Federation calls for all professionals in racing to treat each other with respect.

“The consistent theme of the news reports is the stress experienced by many in our sport. To some extent the reported incidents show that trainers are under similar pressure every day of their working lives. Two research studies published in 2019 provide evidence of the occupational stressors for trainers, whose business can be precarious and financially uncertain.”

Rupert Arnold: 'The National Trainers Federation calls for all professionals in racing to treat each other with respect'

Research published by racing charity Racing Welfare in February showcased the high levels of occupational stress trainers are under, and that every trainer who had taken part in the study had received unsolicited abuse through voicemail, email or social media.

A support network for trainers beyond the services available to people across the wider racing industry is being worked on by Racing Welfare and the NTF.

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