'We've got fuel for 48 hours' - transport firm warns shortages could hit racing

The director of a Newmarket horse transport firm on Monday outlined the scale of disruption the ongoing fuel shortage and supply chain issues could cause for the British racing industry.

Jason Richardson said Newmarket Racehorse Transport, which transports up to 150 horses a day, has approximately 48 hours before the difficulty in purchasing fuel has a significant impact on the day-to-day running of the business.

There have been widespread reports of empty filling stations, lengthy queues and people panic-buying fuel, triggered by a shortage of HGV drivers available to deliver supplies.

Environment secretary George Eustice on Monday urged against panic, saying there was plenty of petrol if drivers continued with their normal buying habits. There were no plans to mobilise the army to drive tankers, he said.

However, many in the racing industry have reported being impacted, with several participants struggling to find stocked filling stations.

"There are some motorway service stations that seem to have fuel, especially for HGVs, but it's a bit stressful working out where we can access fuel. It's never easy to plan at the best of times as it's a busy time of the year without having the added stress of this shortage.

"We have a fuel tank on site but it's just when the guys are on the road. We're trying to stay ahead of the game by sending the larger lorries, with larger tanks, to places we wouldn't normally send them.

"You would hope the situation might right itself within a week and the government seems to be stepping up to the plate. Fuel is getting out there – they might just have to limit the amount people can buy."

There were no travel-related non-runners at four British meetings on Monday, including Hamilton, which was cancelled after heavy rain.

Newport-based trainer Robert Stephens sent Espresso Freddo to Scotland and, while his team did not encounter any problems finding fuel, he said the ongoing supply issues were a cause for concern.

Newport-based trainer Robert StephensCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We managed to get fuel and it hasn't affected us yet," said the trainer. "Quite a lot of the garages around us have run out of fuel but we've always managed to find a couple. Hopefully as the week goes on there will be more deliveries. I think you've got more of a chance at the motorway service stations, as they seem to be used less.

"If it became difficult, I would have used a transport company with their own fuel. It was a concern but luckily we found some fuel."

His concern was shared by Lambourn-based trainer Harry Dunlop, who said: "We've not had any problems, but you are conscious of it and have to be careful. It depends where you go, but I was fine when I got some at Membury yesterday, although you hope everyone is sensible and it settles down.

"I was doing my entries earlier and looked at a race at Chester and did think, 'It's a long way from Lambourn'. We've got our own horsebox and you'd have to fill up again to get there and back, so we might just have to think about things a little more carefully."

Read more:

'I must have tried ten petrol stations' - fuel panic buying a worry for racing

Adayar threatens Tarnawa for Arc favouritism as 14 remain after forfeit stage

Waterlogged Hamilton forced to cancel Monday meeting after heavy rain

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app