RACING as an industry has plenty of flaws, but in difficult times it is brilliant at looking after its own.
The entire sport has shown its support for Ukraine over the past week as the Russian invasion continues.
Oleg Sheyhets led up The Tin Man at Royal Ascot in 2017
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.
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.
Among them is Oleg Sheyhets, travelling head lad to trainer Chris Wall who has been watching the unfolding tragedy from his home in Newmarket.
It is 20 years to the day that Sheyhets, 38, arrived in the UK, unable to speak a word of English but hungry to make a living in the racing industry.
He went on to work for James Fanshawe, Charlie Appleby and Martyn Meade, and he has looked after some top-notchers, including leading sprinter The Tin Man.
But right now all he can think about is the situation back home, with his parents stuck in their village which is around 50 miles outside of the capital Kyiv.
While it remains relatively quiet there, bar a convoy of Russian tanks moving through earlier in the week, there has been fierce fighting in the nearby city of Poltava.
Sheyhets 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.
