'Without them, we’re lost': Stalls handlers a vital cog in flat racing's engine 

Daragh Ó Conchúir spent an afternoon at Leopardstown with some of racing's unsung heroes — the team of stalls handlers who get risk injury to get races on

Stalls handlers loading their final two runners of the evening at Dundalk. Picture: Healy Racing

It is the end of May and racing from the Curragh is on TV. They are down at the start for a premier handicap and Lobo Rojo is not cooperating. As time ticks on, it seems obvious that the four-year-old will not be participating.

But clearly, stalls handlers are like soldiers at war. They don’t want to leave anyone behind. Even at risk to personal safety.