CHAMPING AT THE BIT
that the BHA were giving us false information. They were saying we were going to be racing again on May 1 which meant a lot of owners chose to keep their horses in training. And then there was no sign of any racing.
“And then it was put back to May 15 so we went to the owners to ask if they wanted to keep the horses training or to give them a break. But the truth was nobody really knew when racing was going to come back. And then the UK government said there would be no sport at least until June 1.
“But at least it does now look like we will be racing in June which is great. Racing is such a big industry and we could maybe have got it going sooner. But you have to be sensible about the whole thing.
“I understand why the government is being ultracautious but we really need to get going now for the racing industry. Otherwise it’s going to take a big hit. But we’ve kept our horses fit so that when it returns we’ll have plenty ready to go.”
Like most other businesses, the Jardine yard has endured financial uncertainty and placed two staff on furlough. Bills have had to be met as normal, too.
“Of course, we’re taking a hit that way,” added Jardine who trains almost 50 horses at Hetlandhill. “I lease my yard so I’ve got to find enough money to pay the rent, the feed company and the staff.
“But the owners throughout this difficult time have been very supportive. And I’d like to think we’ve looked after them as much as we can as well.
“We’ve kept the horses in their same routine. And I have loyal staff as well and we’ve tried to keep as many of them on the go as we can. Only two have been furloughed and one of them was by choice. It’s not been easy times, but we’re managing.”