Top trainers left in the doo-doo after manure clearance business closes down

28 September 2023 , 14:19

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Mucky problem: Newmarket loses one of only two manure clearance operators (Image: Getty Images)

A number of racing’s leading trainers have been left in the doo-doo after the operator who collected their stables' horse manure closed down.

Alwyn Moss operated five lorries to pick up waste from around 20 leading yards in Newmarket, including Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby and Saeed Bin Suroor.

But the company has now ceased trading leaving just one other company to service a town which produces 25,000 tonnes of horse waste every year from its stables and studs.

"I feel bad about letting people down but I'm 75 and I've no-one to leave the business to.” Moss told the Racing Post.

“The biggest problem in recent years is finding drivers who are any good. You've got to realise that our vehicles are moving around high-value animals, and to find people with the know-how these days is virtually impossible.

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"Brexit didn't help because we used to have some overseas staff but they've now gone. Those who are around have gone for the easy job driving an articulated lorry up and down a motorway all day."

He added: "I would have sold the business but I've had no takers. There is now only one company left that now can charge what they want. The big problem is where does it all go to.

"Most of the material we collect goes to Thetford EPR power station, which has been breaking down of late. I had contacts in the farming world but sometimes it's hard to convince farmers that putting this stuff on their land will enhance it, but it does."

Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson said alternative arrangements were being explored.

He said: "We've used Alwyn Moss for a number of years and we're sad he is to close.”

Jon Lees