Kia Joorabchian sheds light on troubling issues in horse racing, calling for greater transparency and support for stable staff.
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Kia Joorabchian is gearing up for Royal Ascot, but his mind is far from the glamour of the event. Instead, he’s determined to address some unsettling truths about the horse racing industry that have been buried beneath the surface for too long.
With his high-profile Amo Racing team making waves, Joorabchian isn’t just a spectator in this sport; he’s here to shake things up and make his voice heard.
‘In racing, a lot of things are hidden,’ Joorabchian states bluntly.
He argues that the sport operates like a secret society, where tragic incidents often go unspoken. Unlike football, where the reasons behind separating from a manager are public knowledge, the same scrutiny isn’t applied when a trainer parts ways with a horse. The silence is deafening, particularly when it involves serious matters like injuries or, worse, fatalities.
His reputation isn’t just built on racing; Joorabchian made headlines in football by orchestrating Philippe Coutinho’s massive transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona. Yet, since 2018, he has immersed himself deeply in racing, a passion he describes as his ‘second love.’ And he’s investing heavily—over £80 million, with £24 million spent at the Tattersalls October Book 1 Sale alone, overshadowing established giants like Coolmore and Godolphin.
The sobering reality behind the glamour
As the champagne flows at Royal Ascot, Joorabchian highlights a more disturbing reality beneath the surface. He reveals, ‘In the last three months, I have heard of at least two suicides in two yards.’ The gravity of this situation is stark. One young man was found dead in the yard, leaving a community in mourning.
While Racing Welfare, the Jockey Club’s charity, stepped in to manage the fallout, Joorabchian points out that the industry is still failing its workers. Many stable staff live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet. ‘The general stable lads wake up at 4:30 AM, working tirelessly until 2 PM, yet they receive minimal support,’ he laments.
Addressing the cycle of neglect
He argues that this neglect leads to a broader cycle of despair. Individuals who find solace in substances to cope with their struggles often see their careers cut short as they are dismissed rather than supported. This cycle continues, with talented individuals falling through the cracks, which he believes is indicative of an industry in denial.
‘You have big trainers who present a high moral standard,’ Joorabchian criticizes, ‘but they’re hiding serious issues like alcoholism and drug abuse.’ He contrasts this with the scrutiny faced by footballers, who are front-page news when they misstep. In racing, these problems are swept under the rug, leaving the most vulnerable without help.
On the media’s role and the industry’s future
Joorabchian also calls out the racing media for their complicity in this silence. He recalls an interview where he attempted to discuss these issues, only to find the conversation diverted. ‘The racing media seems unwilling to confront the darker sides of the sport,’ he claims. ‘They prefer to focus on the glamour of events like Royal Ascot.’
This reluctance to shine a light on underlying problems may be contributing to a decline in public interest. He points to the record-low attendance at Epsom, where the atmosphere was flat and devoid of excitement. ‘People are falling out of love with racing,’ he laments. The contrast with the electric atmosphere at events like the Belmont Stakes in the US is stark, where crowds come alive with competitive spirit.
The need for transparency and change
Transparency, in Joorabchian’s view, is crucial for the future of racing in the UK. He highlights the disparity in information available between horse racing and other sports. ‘In football, injuries and player conditions are public knowledge, but in racing, the average punter has no idea how a horse has been training,’ he explains.
He believes that the gambling industry must contribute more to the sport, given its immense profits. With operators like Bet365 reaping millions, he questions why a more significant portion isn’t reinvested back into racing. ‘It’s disgraceful that these companies aren’t contributing to the welfare of the industry,’ he asserts.
A call for action
Despite the grim picture he paints, Joorabchian insists he loves racing and wants to see it thrive. He’s committed to setting up a charity to aid those in the industry and will challenge betting firms to contribute. ‘I want to make it better,’ he states, underscoring his commitment to a brighter future for racing.
Joorabchian’s call for change is clear: create an open, honest, and competitive environment that allows all participants to thrive. His ambitious vision may just be what the industry needs to wake up from its slumber and address the issues at hand.
