Mar 10, 2017 -- 4:05PM, RoyalAcademy wrote:
Good topic norn: the politics of Irish racing and bloodstock doesn't get much of an airing here.With 20-20 hindsight, Maguire and probably the likes of Culloty set up in the wrong country and should have stayed where they made their fame and fortune. Asking the big guys to support them is akin to a call for charity and that's not how they work. Most, with the exception of the Swiss resident - who operates his own Exchequer in Ireland - are ruthless for success and pay where they expect to find it. Custom: I would disagree with your "winnable races" if that's your main argument regarding Maguire's decline. Its more likely there are no owners now to support all the small men and no-one is doing anything about it. I often think that HRI is so hamstrung by being an effective semi-state body that it has zero chance of finding innovative solutions to the present crisis. I know of other trainers personally who are in Maguire's predicament but all have a few acres to fall back on (or other options).
You can't just say "he needs more owners". Owners aren't charities. You have to address why trainers like him make no appeal to the people who own racehorses. I know if I owned a racehorse the last place I'd send it is to one of Ireland's struggling trainers, there's just no point. If you have a bad horse send it to England at least it will be able to win there. If you have a good horse you send it to a trainer who is actually successful.