How smaller operations have been affected by the coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the economy. Stocks and commerce levels have plummeted in line with spending activity, as lockdown and a loss of income is restricting trade for so many.

It’s a difficult time for all, but especially for the small operations, who are tasked with effectively selling a luxury good amidst an economy prevented from functioning due to the pandemic.

Point-to-point handler and breeze-up consignor Patrick Turley is having to deal with the possibility of tying up his assets for longer.

“I’ve put all my point-to-pointers out to the field,” Turley says. “I had three four-year-olds ready to run but we’ve had to pull up stumps. The breeze-up horses who were bound for Doncaster are also ready to rock. I will have to give them a little break but wouldn’t mind giving them a grass gallop before doing so.

“I haven’t sold any of my point-to-pointers so far, yet we still have a full barn. Having said that, I’m not too concerned as the pointers often carry over to autumn anyway, and they are only four-year-olds. The problem is with the breezers, as I only have one shot at selling them.”

The effect of no racing will hit the Flat much harder than the National Hunt industry, which had the privilege of having run most of its season prior to the restrictions.

Despite that, the store sales will still take a hit. Those who didn’t get a chance to sell their form horses will have their funds tied up, as is the case for the Flat.

Turley adds: “Even if the breeze-ups do go ahead, the concern is that there won’t be many there to buy them. We’ve given plenty of money for this year’s draft, but you can’t expect people to buy new horses when they haven’t had a fair crack at those they currently own.

“The uncertainty is a big problem. It’s hard to keep them fit and ticking over as we don’t know what lies ahead. I’ve had to lay off my one member of staff as we’re down to just six horses riding out.”

The coronavirus and its implications are so fluid businesses are finding it hard to make any sort of plan. The uncertainty surrounding when racing will get back - and in what form when it does - is proving to be a real headache. Do you keep horses ticking over, or back off?

Breeze-up sales may not happen this seasonCredit: Goffs UK

Fellow breeze-up consignor, Justin Timmons of Dolmen Bloodstock, echoes the concerns surrounding uncertainty.

“We’re probably taking a negative view,” Timmons says. “We don’t know if the breeze-ups will go ahead, so we’re thinking the colours will have to be put on as we could be forced to race them. The only thing guaranteed at the moment once racing gets back is the prize-money. Though even if they do win, who’ll be there to buy them at the other end?

“The USA probably hasn’t reached its peak of the outbreak, and many people who buy horses are invested in business or stocks. Purchasing racehorses will be down the list if they’re losing plenty of capital.”

As Timmons notes, traders and pinhookers can keep the industry ticking over to an extent, but there must be enough buyers who buy to race.

Coverings are still taking place, and most mares, foals and yearlings aren’t traded until the latter half of the year. The immediate impact is, therefore, less forthcoming (for now) than it would be for the breeze-up trader.

In light of this, Daniel Creighton, of Salcey Forest Stud and Creighton/Schwartz Bloodstock, hasn’t experienced the same level of direct impact.

“At the moment we haven’t been that affected at the stud, but I am expecting to be impacted by it in the near future,” Creighton says. "That said, mating plans and finances have had to be reassessed.

“Most of our mares were covered nice and early, but one mare had a colt entered up for the Goffs UK Doncaster breeze-up. I wanted to see something from her progeny before covering her, so now I might not cover her. We’re also thinking ahead to the sales season later in the year, and the fact that we might have to retain a number of foals and offer them as yearlings instead.”

But Creighton emphasises the need to have a positive outlook. “We’re all in the same boat - in every industry," he adds. "From a crisis comes opportunity and it all depends on how the industry pulls together. The duration of the lockdown will be the decider as to how bad the impact is.

"It’s optimistic to think we’ll get up and running in May, but if we do, we haven’t missed that much of the season. Though if it does carry over May, we could be in trouble to get the season back on track.”

Vale Of York (white cap): was bred by Micheal MagillCredit: Mark Cranham

At the self-proclaimed 'micro size' level is Micheal Magill, of Bellewstown Farm Stud, who has achieved great success from small numbers including breeding Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner, Vale Of York.

He draws attention to the need for small farms to keep covering and trading to remain competitive. “There’s always a beginning, a middle and an end to these things, and right now we’re just in the middle of it," Magill says. "We only keep a few mares and have to cover to stay in the game and give the mares their chance at stud.

“The breeding season is unlike the racing season. You can start racing up much easier than the breeding season. You can’t lose two months to the breeding season at this time as it’s all over then, and the ramifications would be catastrophic.”

Magill also highlights the importance of rigorous adherence to regulations; that all effort must be made not to jeopardise what we can still hold onto. “It’s so important that everyone follows the protocols for covering mares - to stay and remain in your vehicles, and have the documentation sent beforehand.”

Although it seems a worrying time for all in the bloodstock industry, Magill is eager for us to see the bigger picture with sage advice.

He adds: "We all know how big a mess we’re in but we have to put our minds to something positive. We’re very fortunate to have this distraction of caring for animals at home; to be able to move around outside and look after them.

"I feel for people in towns and cities who are bound indoors, and of course, with the people on the front lines taking care of people in such difficult times. Our predicament is all secondary to what is going on worldwide, and ensuring the best for the frontline workers comes first.”

Those in bloodstock have a high tolerance for risk and uncertainty at the best of times. However, maintaining survival for your livelihood through this will be a stern test for anyone.

Read our Life in Lockdown Q&As with industry figures

Richard Venn: 'The French are in a good position to get back racing sooner'

Tim Kent: 'It's difficult to plan when we don't know when racing will resume'

Russell Ferris: 'Weatherbys had contingency plans that we activated at once'

Grant and Tom Pritchard-Gordon: 'Inglis Easter has kept us busy since January'

Peter Hockenhull: 'The social side of meeting and chatting to breeders is gone'

Polly Bonnor: 'We've fulfilled every feed order, including all our exports'

Richard Lancaster: 'We're fortunate that some Shadwell staff live on site'