BILLIONAIRE former Manchester United owner John Magnier has paid to rescue Ukrainian refugees and put them up in accommodation.
The Irish businessman and wife Susan launched a major operation to get staff and family to safety in Ireland.
Former Man Utd owner and racing billionaire has rescued Ukrainians from their war-torn country
Magnier, 74, who owns Coolmore Stud and all-conquering racing stable Ballymore, wanted to help those caught up in the devastation caused by the Russian invasion.
The families of around 20 members of staff have now safely arrived in the racing supremo’s homeland, the Racing Post report.
Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “Mr and Mrs Magnier have brought over all their families and put them all up.
“It was for anyone working between Ballydoyle and Coolmore who wanted to bring their families here.
“It’s a lot of people and it was tough getting them out.”
O’Brien said male loved ones between the ages of 18 and 60 were forced to stay behind for military duty.
The trainer added: “It’s shocking what’s going on, isn’t it? The men stayed behind. The children, wives, grannies and everyone came.
“They’re all living around the place, B&Bs and all kinds. Places are being done up for them.”
Some 13,500 Ukrainian refugees are believed to have landed in Ireland since the start of the war.
HELP FOR WAR-TORN REFUGEES
Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s efforts to invade the country appear to have stalled with his forces losing thousands of vehicles.
Around 600 tanks and 1700 other armoured vehicles have been captured by Ukraine resistance fighters.
Racing has tried its best to do its part to help the humanitarian crisis.
Trainer John Berry ran a horse in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, the Jockey Club have made a big donation to the Red Cross and the BHA are set to investigate and clamp down on Russian investment in the sport.
And it has not gone unnoticed by racing’s Ukrainian workforce, of whom there are 28 registered members of staff in a variety of roles around the country.
Ukraine lies in ruin after Putin’s invasion of the country – but racing billionaire Magnier is doing his bit to help those caught up in the chaos
Oleg Sheyhets, 38, travelling head lad to trainer Chris Wall, told Sun Racing how it felt to see his country ravaged by war.
He said: “When I’m not working I’m glued to the news or my phone to try and get updates.
“My family who are there are seeing it all with their own eyes. It’s terrifying and people still can’t believe what Putin has done.
“You couldn’t get two closer nations. We have family in Russia, the Russians have family in Ukraine, we would never want to fight with one another.
“Speaking to my mum, it doesn’t sound like there is going to be much left of Ukraine.
‘TERRIBLE SITUATION’
“Buildings are being destroyed, everything is on fire, they’re blowing up roads and bridges. They don’t care what they hit with their missiles.
“The Russian soldiers have been running out of food and have been robbing shops. It’s a terrible situation.
“My parents are as safe as they can be. My dad is 58 and will probably have to fight, and my mum won’t want to leave without him.”
Magnier owned Man Utd until 2005, when he and fellow racing tycoon JP McManus sold the club to the Glazer family.
