Problems identified by Mullins apply in Britain as well

As a small trainer in South Devon for a number of years with 16 boxes currently at half capacity, I was interested to read both Brian Kavanagh’s views on the state of racing in Ireland in the afterglow of a wonderful Cheltenham for Irish runners and the views of Tony Mullins, a small trainer at the coalface of Irish racing.

I feel strongly that the problems Mullins identifies in Irish racing are equally prevalent in Britain. There is no doubt the bigger yards in Britain are getting stronger and the smaller trainers are feeling the squeeze more acutely than ever.

I would suggest very few trainers outside the top 40 prize-money earners will make a proper living from their training operations alone. I know of many who have diversified into other areas to subsidise their training business.