Racing backs 'HAY’ How Are Ya Campaign Some of Ireland's leading racing personalities have added their support to a campaign aimed at raising awareness, and reducing the stigma around mental health issues, in the equestrian community. Willie Mullins, Tony McCoy and Rachael Blackmore are among a host of familiar faces to feature in videos for the ‘HAY’ How Are Ya Mental Health Campaign. The campaign is being run by The Grassroots Gazette and is supported by Ireland’s biggest representative bodies and associations for equestrians, including Horse Racing Ireland (Equuip), The Restricted Trainers Association and The Irish Stable Staff Association. Others that appear in the video include Paul Townend, Danny Mullins, Nina Carberry, Shark Hanlon, Shane Foley, Mark Enright and Richie Condon. The Racing Industry is supporting the #HAYHowAreYa campaign and Irelands first ever Equestrian Mental Health Week 🐎🐎🐎. The support has been incredible. We want to thank everyone that has sent in a video in support of the @hay_campaign 👏👏. We’re in this together. pic.twitter.com/MmP8plo9oC— The HAY -How Are Ya Campaign (@hay_campaign) January 20, 2023 Speaking on RTE Drivetime, Danny Mullins said “Psychological stress and anxiety are a big part of racing as a jockey. That comes from a sport where you are getting beat so much that defeat becomes a part of daily life. For us within racing it is a 5 minute contract so pressure is a big part of it. “It is very important for people within our industry and the wider equine community to just be there for each other. The highs are so high but you’ve got to be able to deal with the lows as well. “Two years ago I broke my neck in a fall in Limerick and I remember lying in the hospital looking at the ceiling for about three days. It did cross my mind what if this is it… and would I be able to ride again and all those thoughts cross your mind. “For those who say they don’t suffer or struggle from depression, I would say 100% of people in all walks of life encounter depression at some stage and it’s not healthy to bottle that up.” Also on the RTE Drivetime CEO of the Grassroots Gazette and campaign spokesperson Shane McCarthy said “The goal of the campaign is to get people talking, reaching out and asking HAY How Are Ya and taking the time to listen to the answer and see if they are ok. “It really is important we have open dialogue like this across the equine industry. The Community is United, there’s so much of the equine industry that are featured in the video. United with a common message. “If you have a mental health issue, you are not weak. You are just dealing with something and need support.” Trainer Brendan Murphy is the Chief Equine Strategist for The Grassroots Gazette and he commented:- “To see a campaign like this getting so widely supported is amazing. All sports can be mentally demanding but speaking from experience across a few different platforms at the highest level the equestrian world takes the pressure to an extreme. The highs are like nothing I’ve experienced but the lows are almost unbearable. That’s why a campaign like this is vital.” Fairyhouse have added their support to the campaign with the running of the HAY 'How Are Ya' Campaign Mares Maiden Hurdle at their meeting next Wednesday.
