The retention of staff is a worry

We woke up to a very wet day and have had good steady rain since the early hours. It has just started to ease off a bit as the morning has gone on but it will have done the power of good once again. We are a bit short on the staff front this morning but everything is being done and another rider and yard person would be very handy. There is a big piece in the Racing Post today about the retention of staff and it makes for very interesting reading. When an independent research foundation comes out with the result that 42% of staff want to leave their current job within two years, 20% of staff are planning to leave the industry altogether within two years and 30% of staff would like to train to start a different career outside the industry, you know you are in for troubled times.

There is a great article on John Magnier today on how he has shaped the bloodstock industry and more importantly the whole Coolmore brand. A most brilliant man who employs the very best of advisors and listens to what they say, but he is a horseman through and through and understands everything within the game. You cannot be anything but impressed.

It was very sad to read yesterday of the death of Willie Macauley. He ran Burton Agnes Stud in Yorkshire, was a larger than life character, always great fun and his staff all loved him. He will be very sadly missed by many people. Our condolences go to all his family and friends.