Nothing too much to report since the last entry here. Flaming June has been a complete washout and it feels more like November here today. The only bonus is that the hated flies have temporarily got washed away – or hopefully drowned for a while!
The team have been starting earlier than normal (hardly worth going to bed!) in an effort to beat the bloody things. The field horses also coming in during the day to get away from the bites. We have also been turning the fit ones out at night and keeping them in through the day. Better for the horses, but although they get a very long lunch break – which involves plenty of sleeping - it does make a long day for the team.
As ever though everyone mucking in and getting on with it.
Great to see that its Stable Staff Week this week, and that the staff are getting the recognition they thoroughly deserve. We are very lucky to have a team who are a pleasure to work with. Also sad to see some of the comments put on social media by some retired staff who have clearly not had a great time elsewhere in the industry.
As someone who also has links to other parts of the equine industry it is reassuring to know that our staff have a proper wage and conditions structure – a far cry from many other types of yard who work totally ridiculous hours for a totally ridiculous wage. Shame HMRC don’t go and visit some of those!
Having said that that there is plenty of room for improvement in our own industry. The ability to charge a higher training fee is a starting point – this of course driven initially by better prize money – would enable trainers to pay above the required minimum. Sensible prize money would enable owners to fund the increased fees – its not rocket science!
The racecourses also need to make a lot more effort. Jockeys are paid to ride and get free food (no gripes about that) so why not the same for the staff?? When you go to tracks and not only have to queue behind racecourse staff to get fed in the first place – but to see that they are getting free food too, adds insult to injury. Nobody is asking for a three course feed, but just a simple and healthy meal should be available to all stable staff. Obviously some of the bigger tracks are already there, but it would not cost a fortune for all to follow. Some of the canteens are a disgrace and that is not acceptable either – Towcester,(Terrible) Worcester(inedible) Taunton Warwick (the only place that can kill a baked potato!) – take note!
Things are so much better now – and rightly so – but improvement still required. Coming from a farming background long hours are the norm, and anyone who is self employed also knows the score. We try to balance out the long winter hours with shorter days and a lot less to do this time of year, but its often hard to remember that when the rain is running down your back in November!
Thank you to all at Team Dickin for their dedication and good humour - they do keep us entertained as well as looking after their horses to a very high standard.
Holidays still being taken Rachel off sunning herself this week, and Harriet T & Ceris in Dublin for a few days last week (they survived!!). Cathal off to teach the French Irish next week, & Megan off to teach the Irish South African the week after!
We are looking for another team member for the coming season, do call the office if you would like to come and join us.
Not too many runners although those that have run all running pretty well. Great to see Anti Cool back on the track after all of his problems. He ran creditably to finish fourth just blowing up a bit going to the last and Charlie sensibly looking after him. No sign of the old problem which was a profound relief – delighted for John & Ellie and the EPDS team who have been so patient – just got to do it again now!
Vocaliser ran much better at Newmarket. Another who has been working through some issues - we were delighted to see him run all the way to the line and although last of 6 to finish only beaten about six lengths. All about confidence with him and that would have been a good boost for him.
Wildmoor Boy has been testing everyones patience and skills. He was an amazing third in a listed bumper at Cheltenham on his first run, then had a couple of problems in running, which I think frightened him. He then turned into a deranged idiot at the races. WB is very easy at home but seems to get claustrophobic in a strange stable. He has been here there and everywhere to try & desensitise him, which has worked to a degree! Testing Megan’s handling skills to the nth degree! Lots of help from Charlie & Fran & also Eric at Stratford races saw us actually get him to the races last night. Very late arrival and plenty of skill from the girls saw him get out onto track without too much fuss (relatively!) he ran Ok but Charlie pulled up at the second last – plenty more to come from him and a better experience will have helped his confidence no end.
The Lion Man has been crying out for better ground and having got it at Uttoxeter ran a massively better race. Running on to be fourth not beaten far. Just showing what a hard time the wet winter gave some of the horses. He runs again today and just hoping the pouring weather we are getting at the moment does not manifest itself there.
A recent addition Betterlatethanneva ran a blinder in the bumper on the same day to finish second for Charlie's better half Fran Nimmo. The filly now heads for Ascot sales in July and will be a really decent filly to train on. We would be delighted to retain her to stay in the yard so do call if you would be interested.