Irish trainers are struggling to find owners for their horses in the midst of the economic regression.

It is understood that trainers from the elite to the small-scale are feeling the proverbial pinch. Training fees in Ireland generally range from €1,000 per month and up, but prospective owners are being put off by the warnings about the economy.

“I know that some of our top trainers here have 15 to 20 horses unsold for owners,” trainer James Barrett told setantasports.com.

“The first thing that goes when the economy takes a turn for the worse is the luxuries - and horses come into that category.”

However, Horse Racing Ireland does not report a reduction of any significance in the number of syndicates being set up this year.
(Source: Setanta Sports)