Stable staff crisis hangs over Irish racing like a dark cloud ready to explode

A cursory glance on Twitter or on industry jobs websites illustrates the far-reaching nature of the staff shortages faced by the racing and breeding sectors in Britain and Ireland.

In Ireland, the likes of Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Aidan O'Brien and Jessica Harrington are desperately trying to attract groundstaff, riding staff and travelling staff as well as various other personnel.

Two years ago the Racing Post undertook a special report on an issue that was already being described as at crisis point, with an estimated 3,500 stable staff employed back then.