The life of a racing trainer is hard enough, what with all those early mornings, the ever-present threat of injury, and a battalion of owners to satisfy. However, keeping on top of all that still isn’t enough to guarantee a smooth ride. In addition to keeping the people and animals content, trainers also have to worry about the local plant life. Just ask Devon-based handler Jane Williams, who, this week, was forced to close her yard for a month due to the unwanted effects of the rapeseed fields surrounding her yard.
Crop Change Causes Dip in Performances
The fact that the Williams yard is flanked on three sides by farm fields had never previously proved to be an issue, but that changed in 2024 when rapeseed was planted for the first time.
As the valuable crop began to bloom, the riders at the yard reported headaches after riding out as the smell drifted across the training facilities. Horses, of course, can’t report headaches, but a string of poor performances at the track suggested the equine stars had been similarly affected.
The recent underwhelming efforts of the well-fancied Excelero and Jupiter Allen set the alarm bells ringing for Williams, who stated, “Our horses usually finish their races off, but there’s been a few strange performances. Excelero ran 20lb below his best, and David said he wasn’t sat on the same horse. Jupiter Allen was a real shocker – we thought he was going to win. One minute he was in command, and then you’re thinking, what’s happened here?”
Yard Closed Until Storm Passes
Performances such as those of Excelero and Jupiter Allen must be particularly frustrating for Williams, who had been enjoying a fine time of things of late and was only one winner shy of matching her career-best tally before the problems began. Rather than battle on in the face of adversity – and with her horse’s health in mind – Williams has decided to close her yard for a month. Her owners were informed on Friday 10 May, with Williams withdrawing her three intended runners at Warwick over the weekend.
Incredibly frustrating but it’s at least the right time of year! https://t.co/YJ6P4AE03m
— Jane Williams Racing (@NandJ_WilliamsR) May 10, 2024
With the crop beginning to wilt and Williams having received assurances that rapeseed will not be grown in the fields in future, hopefully, the popular handler will return to normality on the planned reopening date of 1st June.
Crop Regularly Causes Chaos
Whilst this is a fairly unusual story in the racing world, it isn’t the first time rapeseed and its recognised respiratory effects have impacted the sport. Irish trainer James McCauley has previously reported the negative impact of the crop on his runners and riders, whilst compatriot Harley Dunne relocated his entire Point-to-Point operation due to the persistent growing of the crop around his establishment.