Trainers ought to charge owners realistic fees rather than grumble about prize money

One of racing’s great fallacies got taken out for a high-profile Christmas spin last week. Irish racing seemingly is at breaking point. Trainers not operating at elite level might have to give up because there isn’t enough prize money to cover rising costs. The solution, apparently, is more Government cash for prize money. This was splashed across the front of the Irish Daily Mail in its St Stephen’s Day edition. As racegoers crammed into the festival action in Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal, racing’s foray to the front page painted a plaintive picture of a sport on its uppers. Ado McGuinness and Noel Meade were among those trainers telling a grim Christmas tale. In essence, their...