Stable staff told halt of Sunday floodlit racing trial shows power workforce has 'when we stick together'

The scrapping of plans for floodlit Sunday evening meetings showed the power racing's workforce holds, stable staff have been told.

National Association of Racing Staff (Nars) chief executive George McGrath spoke about the level of concern caused by this this year's trial of extra Sunday meetings.

In his address to members in the organisation's annual report, McGrath also warned stable staff of the dangers of social media and highlighted the increased awareness of drug and alcohol abuse.

McGrath described the start of the year, when the trial took place, as one of the "most difficult times Nars has ever endured".

He said: "There was a tangible feeling of resentment, anger and frustration within the racing staff community and while some of this is related to ongoing issues, most of the anger was centred around the announcement of a new BHA-led trial of six Sunday floodlight meetings to be held between January and March."

National Association of Racing Staff chief executive George McGrathCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

However, McGrath said that thanks to staff attending meetings and presenting findings, alongside the Professional Jockeys Association and National Trainers Federation, the trial was discontinued.

He said: "That is the power racing staff can have when we stick together, fight for what we believe in and for what is fair. You will win no wars on social media."

On the subject of social media, McGrath said that it was causing his members more issues.

He said: "Over the last few years, I am representing more and more staff getting into trouble for taking pictures at work and sharing them on social media or making comments that get them in trouble with their employers. Most of the pictures are harmless, as are the comments, but not all of them."

He added: "Social media can be a great way of sharing momentous occasions and personal triumphs as well as our most difficult times such as the passing of a much-loved horse or pet. It's also one of the quickest ways of losing your job."

McGrath also noted the industry had started to take drug and alcohol abuse more seriously, with testing programmes being implemented in some yards. 

"This shouldn’t be seen as a move against the staff," he said, "but rather a move that is trying to ensure those of us handling and riding racehorses are doing so in as safe an environment as possible."

He added: "There are two points I have been very clear on when anyone has asked me about implementing any tests. The first is the tests must be random, and include everyone, from the trainer to the newest member of staff. 

"The other point is that any positive test must result in the offering of support and not necessarily a dismissal. As the world around us changes, we as an industry and those working in the industry must adapt and move with the times."

The Nars annual meeting took place at Epsom last week, and both president Jemma Marshall and vice-president Julia Bennet spoke about the need for friendship and support between stable staff.

Marshall said: "Mental health issues affect every single one of us at some point in our lives regardless of our age, gender or background. It is not a sign of weakness; it is a natural part of who we are. Those workplace friendships are about helping others to feel confident enough to reach out during difficult times."

She added: "Tomorrow when you go to work, if you see someone who seems to be struggling, be a good friend and reach out to them. Try to treat everyone how you like to be treated, with kindness and compassion and without judgement."

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