Lambourn trainer Joe Tuite calls for Jockey Club Estates to reduce gallops fees

Jockey Club Estates (JCE) should reduce its gallops fees in Lambourn during the coronavirus crisis, village trainer Joe Tuite has pleaded.

Tuite, one of many trainers to use the facilities on a daily basis, believes such a move would be welcome and appreciated, particularly at a time when many owners – whose finances may be hit by the outbreak of coronavirus – could question their involvement in a sport that has been suspended in Britain until the end of April.

"They are not doing anything and don't think they should give us reduced rates," said Tuite.

Joe Tuite: started training in 2010Credit: Edward Whitaker

"I said that surely as a goodwill gesture they could knock off, say, 20 per cent of the fees when there is no racing.

"Because of what's happening, if we show owners goodwill we can keep them onside, but they don't seem to think that. They said they could bring it up at the April meeting, but that might be too late – horses might be gone.

"I train for working, down-to-earth people and most have jobs and businesses that are going to suffer and the country will be on its knees financially. I've already lost a couple of horses with owners seeing what's going to happen to their own businesses, let alone racing, and I just think the Jockey Club should do a bit more for us."

'Can anyone remember a situation when every single person's life was affected?'

Tuite, who won the Ebor with Litigant in 2015, added: "The sport should do as much as possible to pull together. We don't want anything for nothing, just to show a bit of goodwill to the owners, who can think, 'Yeah, that's a way forward. At least the Jockey Club are helping us'.

"It's a poor show because this is not your average circumstance. This is something different and they're very strange times we're living in. I think there's an importance of showing goodwill and the Jockey Club should be leading by example.

"I rent a house in Lambourn through Jones Robinson and I spoke to them on Wednesday and they came straight back with a 50 per cent discount for three months, so it shows willing – 'Of course we're going to help you through this' – and that stuff goes a long way.

"If everyone shows that attitude we can work and get through this and I think the Jockey Club should be on the front foot, otherwise Jamie Osborne won't be able to cope with the number of horses on his new gallop!"

JCE has owned and managed more than 500 acres of land in Lambourn since 2006, charging £132.90 plus VAT per horse every month.

Tuite's words, however, are set to fall on deaf ears.

There is more than 500 acres of facilities in LambournCredit: Edward Whitaker

"There are no plans to reduce gallop fees in either Lambourn, Newmarket or Epsom," said Nick Patton, managing director of JCE, the property and land management arm of The Jockey Club group.

"We absolutely understand the uncertainty that owners, trainers and staff are facing, they are not alone at this difficult time. With no racing at present, our priority is to ensure all of our training facilities are maintained to the highest standard possible so that horses can be kept exercised and are ready should things improve.

"To deliver this requires a dedicated and skilled team of staff. The number of horses in training will no doubt drop during this period, as National Hunt horses take an early summer holiday, so we too are looking at challenging times for the business.

"Obviously, this is an evolving situation and we will continue to review matters and do what is best for Jockey Club Estates and the industry."

Tuite, who started training in 2010 having spent eight years as Mick Channon's assistant, is planning to practise what he preaches, saying: "I'm working with owners to get through this and am going to be looking after my owners on a financial basis."

Mick Easterby: training concession

The North Yorkshire-based Mick Easterby, who landed the 1,000 Guineas with Mrs McArdy in 1977, has already taken that step.

"We have come to the decision to keep the Flat horses in training and ticking over waiting for the good news, so that we can hit the ground running as soon as racing is announced to be back on," read a statement on his website.

"In doing this we are adopting a special corona rate and dropping the full training fees by 30 per cent from now until racing is announced to be back on. The doors here at Stittenham Farm are as always open to owners. We are happy to arrange times for owners to visit the yard to see the horses training at home.

"We will of course be following government health and safety advice and will adjust to any changes in policy."

Read this next:

'Racing will not be beaten': BHA chief issues rallying cry to beleaguered sport

Uncertainty around racing's return as coronavirus pandemic shuts down the sport

Grand National cancelled as Aintree card lost to spiralling coronavirus crisis

Leading course bookmaker warns of calamity for layers in Ireland due to virus

Frankie Dettori pledges support for communities in Italy with Go Fund Me page

Read exclusive tips and place bets on the greyhounds on the free iOS app. Download the latest version here