'Racing is more than a job, it's a way of life' - celebrating the sport's heroic workforce
Richard Hoiles and Emma Lavelle are among those we've quizzed in a series of Q&As
Catherine Macrae talks to a wide selection of people from all around the industry about their lives in racing, how important the sport is to them and what they make of Wednesday's blank day.
Racing's day of protest:
Why is there no racing in Britain on Wednesday? The 'strike' explained
'Why are you risking all of this?' - racing's enormous economic and social contribution to the UK
Callum Bartram-Bell
Age 26
Occupation Stud hand at Newsells Park Stud
How did you get into racing? My first experience of racing was at Newmarket Nights in 2015. From there, I started to follow racing before being gifted a share in a racehorse through Owners Group. This led me to then purchasing a share in Pentland Hills and watching him win the 2019 Triumph Hurdle opened an interest in considering a career in racing, even if it was just for a gap year to try something different. Through the Careers In Racing website, I found the National Stud’s Entry To Stud Employment course and subsequently gained a placement at Newsells.
How long have you worked in the industry? I've been in the industry coming up to five years in October. During that time I have worked mainly for Newsells, but I've also worked a yearling season at Arrowfield Stud in NSW. I completed the 2022 BHA development programme with a placement at the Racecourse Association, where I helped research and promote a range of options racecourses could adopt to enhance the experience offered to their customers. It has been a manic couple of years but just shows the opportunities available. Both the courses I completed were funded fully by various bodies within the sport, showing the support available to anyone considering a career in racing.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of being a stud hand is preparing yearlings for the sales, in particular Tattersalls October Yearling sales. Last year, having only worked with yearlings for just over two years, I had the opportunity to take through the Aljazzi x Frankel filly selling for 4.4 million guineas, undoubtedly a moment that will be hard to top.
What is the hardest part of the job? While we all know horses require time and dedication, it's increasingly becoming sad to see people aren't considering working in the industry anymore. Partially as people are seeking a different work/life balance, as well as other opportunities on offer following the Covid pandemic. This situation will only be further impacted by any tax hikes, as fewer people will have exposure to racing resulting from betting constraints and the loss in revenue might have to then be made up for in other areas of the sport.
What is it like to work in racing? Racing is a great inclusive industry where everyone can have vast opportunities. In my five years, I've seen so much, not just in Britain but around the world, and as a stud hand in particular you get to work with future champions as foals, preparing them as yearlings, before cheering them on track as they cross the finishing line, fingers crossed as the winner.
What does racing mean to you? Racing means a lot to me, as it's not only allowed me to achieve so much in a short space of time, but has opened doors for me across the industry and around the world. These experiences have helped me to develop my character and skills I can use outside of my job in other pursuits and interests.
Where would you be without racing? Without racing, I perhaps would still be trying to compete for graduate jobs in an increasingly competitive market, as more individuals are encouraged to go into further educational institutions. Racing has allowed me another route to pursue the career I desire with the ability to potentially use my politics degree and experiences gained outside of work within our industry.
What do you think of the racing strike? The racing strike is essential to show the industry’s support and unity, alongside highlighting the impact the proposed tax harmonisation will have on racing's finances. The estimated loss of £66 million a year could only be the start, and who knows as a result of these changes how many of the 85,000 jobs within the industry, and other businesses linked to racing, could be impacted from British racing becoming less sustainable, and therefore less competitive on the international stage. I fully support the industry's response with this strike.
Poppy Green
Age 26
Occupation Head lass with George Scott
How did you get into racing? I had ponies growing up and have been riding since I was four. I used to watch racing a lot on the TV and the first time I watched the Grand National I said I wanted to do that. You think at age four, the 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' question would change, but for me it didn't. My cousin Tom Brown went on to be an apprentice for Andrew Balding, which inspired me even more.
How long have you worked in the industry? I went to the British Racing School (BRS) in 2017 when I was 18 as my mum suggested I complete A-levels to get more qualifications. Once I graduated from the BRS, my first job in racing was with James Eustace as a rider and I worked with him for two-and-a-half years. I then moved to George Scott's in 2019 and worked my way up from a rider to now head girl.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love seeing the yearlings come in and watching them progress throughout the season. I'm also very fortunate that I have travelled to Bahrain the past couple of winters for George, when we have been very successful with every horse we have taken over there. The highlight was being involved with Isle of Jura's journey when making history by winning the triple crown in Bahrain.
What is the hardest part of the job? Obviously the early mornings! No one wants to start work at 4.30am on a cold winter's morning. It is also frustrating when horses don't run the way we would like them to.
What is it like to work in racing? Racing is very hard work, including early mornings and long hours, and attention to detail is key with getting good results. Having a great team within a racing yard makes the job more enjoyable and makes the job easier when everyone works well together.
What does racing mean to you? Racing is a big part of my life and has been for a long time. Racing isn't just a job but somewhere you can make lifelong friends and travel the world. I love seeing the less experienced members of the team progress within the industry.
Where would you be without racing? I couldn't see myself working outside of the racing industry as racing is always something I've wanted to be a part of.
What do you think of the racing strike? I think the racing community needs to come together and unite as one. Racing is more than just a sport, it's a cherished part of our culture. The prize-money will be affected if taxes go up, which doesn't just affect owners and trainers, but filters down to the stable lads and lasses who will see a massive difference in what bonuses they can earn. Then we'd struggle to attract the next generation to get into the racing industry.
Richard Hoiles
Age 59
Occupation Commentator and broadcaster
How did you get into racing? By answering an advert in the Sporting Life. SIS were looking for commentators as pictures from more meetings were being beamed into betting shops. I had qualified quite young as an accountant and, with that to fall back on, had decided to try to get into racing, which I had followed avidly for years. Thankfully George Irvine at SIS heard something in what must have been a very raw demo tape (it crossed with a rejection letter as I hadn't even realised you had to send one in!) and it went from there. I will always be massively grateful for being given the opportunity despite no background in the sport.
How long have you worked in the industry? Since 1992, initially as a commentator but then to get broadcast experience as a voice-over on the SIS betting shop service. It was a great place to learn with Robert Cooper, Ian Bartlett, John Hunt and Errol Blyth among the team. I was then fortunate enough to be part of the original Racing Channel presenting team, while a stint in Hong Kong in 1997 widened the horizons and I have been fortunate to work overseas quite a bit at various stages since.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Getting to watch the horses. That alongside the form aspect is what first drew me to the sport and that buzz has never dimmed. The beauty of a thoroughbred at full stretch or standing off outside the wings at 30mph still tingles the spine, and getting to provide the soundtrack to some great races has been and remains a huge privilege.
What is the hardest part of the job? There is always a better phrase or description you could have chosen or a better place you could have looked. Just like riding in a race itself, events unfold at a pace where at times a pause button would be really helpful. Also late-night road closures!
What is it like to work in racing? When I started in racing, I knew no one, and now nearly all my best friends are within the sport spread right across the disciplines from fellow commentators and broadcasters, to directors, producers and camera operators. I have always found everyone encouraging and supportive, and there are always new aspects of the sport to learn. These days, you have to be thick-skinned, but nothing like as much as jockeys and trainers, for whom the abuse on social media needs policing far better.
What does racing mean to you? Fortunately a way of life. More intellectually challenging than any game show, each race provides a puzzle to be solved using a wide range of variables and data. You constantly need to adapt to circumstance and how markets learn over time. An angle today may be overbet tomorrow. I will never tire of the challenge and, as you will be wrong far more often than you are right, it is a great teacher of resilience.
Where would you be without racing? Ideally a soon to-be-retired CEO or finance director with a big pension and share options. No doubt I would have tried to persuade the board to have had a string of racehorses. My bank balance may have been richer but my life would have been much the poorer.
What do you think of the racing strike? It provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of the industry as a whole to the country, to its workforce and to the economy, especially the rural one. A day of action will hopefully strike a chord outside the racing bubble.
Stephen Kielt
Age 44
Occupation Farrier
How did you get into racing? I grew up in Ireland in a family with a long-standing involvement in horses, mainly showjumpers and hunters. After qualifying, I had the opportunity to spend three years as an understudy to Dr Simon Curtis at Rossdales veterinary practice in Newmarket, and as corrective and remedial farriery had always interested me, I jumped at the chance. During this period, I also cared for Michael Jarvis's stable, home to some great horses, including the brilliant Rakti. It was here that I quickly fell in love with racing and all its rich history and traditions.
How long have you worked in the industry? I moved to Newmarket in August 2003 and have remained here ever since. It's frightening to think that's over two decades ago.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Working with horses is without doubt the most rewarding part of the job. The thoroughbred is an extraordinary animal with a unique blend of power and grace. I love that as farriers we can have a significant influence on both soundness (short-and long-term) and performance. I always feel a strong duty of care, and I try to approach my work in a diligent, considered and thoughtful manner. Knowing that I've played a role – whether shaping a youngster's conformation or helping a racehorse perform at their best — is, to me, the most rewarding part.
What is the hardest part of the job? Racing is a seven-days-a-week industry, with days typically starting at 5.30am. The introduction of all-weather tracks has created year-round racing, and the calendar now includes an ever-increasing number of sales alongside a growing programme of valuable international meetings. I find the main challenge lies in managing the demands of consistently early mornings alongside an increasingly extended season.
What is it like to work in racing? Racing is a fast-paced and highly competitive sport where the margins between victory and defeat can be minimal. Preparing a horse to race is a team effort, and I value the close collaboration with the trainer, their staff and veterinary team. As farriers, we are just one cog in a much bigger wheel, but it's a privilege to play our part in supporting the horses and clients we work with. Racing is also a sport of contrasts. There are more disappointments than successes and invariably setbacks are part of the journey. You need resilience to accept these moments and the ability to move on quickly. However, it's that whole journey and experience which makes it so special and rewarding to see a horse you've worked with win.
What does racing mean to you? Racing has been the focus of most of my adult life and I'm deeply passionate about it. It's given me a livelihood, countless opportunities for professional development, and the chance to travel widely and experience new countries and cultures. Just as importantly, it's introduced me to many remarkable people and created lasting memories, often shared with colleagues and friends. One of these friends introduced me to my now wife, Alison, so it's fair to say racing has truly shaped my life. Being a farrier in racing is more than a job – it's a way of life, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
Where would you be without racing? I've looked after Roger Varian's stable for over ten years, supported by Becky and Angus, while Joe manages George Scott's stable on our behalf. Beyond racing, my work extends to stud, pre-training, rehabilitation and consultancy. If racing were ever to cease in Britain, many businesses including ours would inevitably suffer, so it's most likely I would move abroad to a jurisdiction with a strong and thriving racing industry.
What do you think of the racing strike? We're very fortunate in this country to have one of the strongest racing and breeding industries in the world, which attracts significant international investment. However, no industry can afford to be complacent, and it's vital that we protect and nurture racing so it can continue to grow. The proposed increase in betting tax will severely impact the funding model, with knock-on effects for all of us who work within the industry. It's encouraging that the BHA, the Jockey Club and the National Trainers Federation are among those united on this issue. I feel it's important for us all to be aware of the threat an increased tax poses and to lend our support in an appropriate manner.
Emma Lavelle
Age 52
Occupation Trainer
How did you get into racing? I had always ridden ponies and as a family we had enjoyed going to the races, and then aged eight my father bought a racehorse and had it in training with Toby Balding. We would go down on a Saturday morning to watch him on the gallops and by the time I was 11 I knew I wanted to train racehorses. The Balding family were instrumental in getting me involved in the industry and, after time in the school holidays with Henrietta Knight and Toby, I was ready to start full-time from the bottom up.
How long have you worked in the industry? I've worked in the industry for 34 years. On leaving school I went to work at the National Trainers Federation, which at that time was based in the Jockey Club building in Portman Square. In a bid to understand (or at least try to understand) the administrative side of racing, it made sense to start there and then I went back to work for Toby Balding at the 'coalface'. Following a stint in America for Shug McGaughey, I took out my licence to train here 27 years ago with six horses to get me started.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Clearly training winners and that moment of pure joy with your owners when their horse crosses the line in front is hugely rewarding, but there are so many aspects to the job of being a trainer and to be able to nurture a horse to fulfil its potential, at whatever level that is, gives a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement. The feeling is the same with the team you build within the yard and hopefully having a positive impact on the staff's personal development as they progress their own careers is a high point of the job.
What is the hardest part of the job? Dealing with injuries is always tough but in the past couple of years the hardest part of training is the actual running of the business. Costs have all gone up, compounded by the NI increase, staffing is in crisis and with prize-money at the level that it is, margins are getting tighter all the time.
What is it like to work in racing? It's an amazing industry to work in – it is like being on a rollercoaster, the highs are high, the lows can be low, but you are constantly moving with never a dull moment. There is a good sense of camaraderie within the industry and if you're prepared to work there are huge opportunities.
What does racing mean to you? It has been my life and I feel very fortunate to work in an industry that brings so much enjoyment to so many people. I feel very protective of the sport as it has given me a career working with the most noble of animals, and we need to safeguard it for us and future generations.
Where would you be without racing? I had always taken a keen interest in politics growing up and at one stage felt that if I wasn't a racehorse trainer I was going to be the prime minister. I am very grateful fate decreed otherwise. Having been in the industry for so long now it's hard to imagine where I would be without it.
What do you think of the racing strike? Racing has always been divided by self-interest, so to see the sport coming together and speaking with one voice is hugely positive. Whether the racing strike has the desired effect or not remains to be seen but, with the possibility of tax harmonisation being so detrimental to the future of our sport, sitting on our hands and doing nothing cannot be the way forward.
Isabelle Ryder
Age 23
Occupation Conditional jockey for Jamie Snowden
How did you get into racing? Despite coming from a non-horsey background, at a young age I managed to convince my parents to buy me a pony. Little did they know this would lead to years of them driving me all over the country to showjumping competitions every weekend. I trained with Robert and Bernice Stronge for my showjumping years, so when I finished school and was adamant that all I wanted to do was ride horses, they suggested getting into racing. While I was still showjumping, I spent a few months riding out for Mick Channon. This was my first job in racing and, despite thinking I was fit enough from riding five showjumpers every day, I ached from head to toe for the first month or so of riding racehorses.
How long have you worked in the industry? I've worked in racing for about six years now. After learning the basics of riding racehorses for a few months at Mick Channon's, I moved to work for Gary Brown. I got the opportunity to ride work and school, and it was thanks to him that I got my licence out and got the bug for race-riding. I spent a year riding as an amateur before turning conditional. In May this year, I made the move to Jamie Snowden's and have loved every minute, getting off to the perfect start when riding a winner on my first ride for him. I hope to continue to progress my career here.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love working with the horses day-to-day and seeing them improve and progress, particularly schooling and educating the young horses. There's so much that goes on behind the scenes to get the horses to the races, so when it all comes together on the track it's very rewarding, and even more so if I'm riding them on the track, too. There's nothing more rewarding than riding a winner. When you've been given the opportunity by the trainer and owners, it’s a great feeling when you're able to deliver the results.
What is the hardest part of the job? I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do what I love as a career but being a jockey requires a huge amount of dedication and hard work. When I'm not on the back of a horse, I spend most of my time in the gym or having coaching on the Equicizer with my jockey coach, Will Kennedy, always trying to improve so that I'm ready to take the opportunity when I get a ride on the track. Even the best jockeys lose much more often than they win. When you've put in so much work, it's never easy to take when things don't go to plan.
What is it like to work in racing? Working in racing is just doing what I love every day with the added bonus of getting paid for it. While it can be long days and hard work, even on a cold, wet and dark morning it never feels like work. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I wouldn't change my job.
What does racing mean to you? Racing is an incredible sport. The thrill of riding a winner is a feeling like no other, probably one of the healthier addictions in life. This unique sport brings people from all walks of life together and can be enjoyed by all, and it's no wonder that it is the second most popular sport in Britain.
Where would you be without racing? Having spent the past six years completely obsessed by the sport, I don’t know where I would be without racing – potentially on a beach in the sun on the other side of the world somewhere, but I'd soon get bored of that. When you're immersed in the racing bubble it's hard to ever imagine doing anything else. There are so many different jobs and roles that are generated by the sport, and I doubt that many people employed in the industry could imagine doing something else.
What do you think of the racing strike? As a 7lb claimer aspiring to build a career as a jockey, the government’s proposal of betting tax harmonisation is very worrying. Racing could lose at least £66m per year as a consequence, which puts the future of the sport in doubt. It's vital that the industry comes together and takes action against these proposals. I think the racing strike is a great opportunity to make a statement and get the message across to secure the future of our sport, which contributes so much to the country's economy.
Kelly Thomas
Age 47
Occupation Breeder
How did you get into racing? When I was 14, my mum and I were looking for my next riding horse. I was supposed to be looking for a sensible cob type, calm and uncomplicated. I ended up with a four-year-old thoroughbred, my Newmarket reject. She was just so beautiful. The exact opposite of the brief but she evidently made more appeal to my nature.
How long have you worked in the industry? Throughout my extended education, I completed some periods of work experience. I worked at Pantaquesta Stud for Howard and Monica Joyce close to where I lived and continued to work there during holidays. Fast-forward to 2003, and through retirement, Howard and Monica's last broodmare became my first. I gained experience of sales working for the well-renowned and respected Dave and Trish Brown of Furnace Mill Stud, and also spent a season riding out for Alison Thorpe.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? There are so many things that make the job rewarding. I feel so grateful every day that I have the privilege to be the custodian of these beautiful animals, the relationships I have with the broodmares and how much of themselves they give to me to be able to call myself a breeder. Then nurturing foals, encouraging them to enjoy the company and requests of humans, while developing their own personalities and moulding their competitive egos.
What is the hardest part of the job? There isn't one hardest thing. So much of it is hard, and you might find you need to be quite hardy and resilient to survive. Be it financial pressure, it certainly isn't easy as a small stud mainly producing foals for the market when costs keep rising and you might only get one payday a year. Being hands-on with horses brings with it a good deal of physical hardship in all weathers, and sometimes you will find yourself on an bit of an emotional rollercoaster when you are sleep-deprived, its freezing cold, you've got no money and you've got a sick foal needing round-the-clock care and the buck stops with you.
What is it like to work in racing? It can be very rewarding and equally it can kick you when you're down, but it's so wonderful to be involved with these horses. Second to the horses are the people, the racing community are the real backbone. The support you get when things aren’t going too well, you never need to feel alone, and when things are going well everyone is so generous with their well wishes. You can really enjoy the good days.
What does racing mean to you? Racing is one of the great traditions of our culture. As the second largest spectator sport, it has created industry, employment and makes a significant contribution to our economy. Those involved develop a deep passion for it and, if you can be a part of it, it'll be a part of your life well lived. It's my favourite sport and it's so complex. There's always something to learn or discover. As a breeder, I get to see racing from the very beginning of the chain to the very end. We're responsible for every horse that ever makes it to the track. I want to protect its heritage and future, and help it grow. I have three children and I want racing to thrive for them, their children and many generations to come, so they might enjoy it as much as I do.
Where would you be without racing? No idea. Really bored probably. Not in an office job, I'd hope. If I wasn't working with horses maybe a midwife? Spot the similarity.
What do you think of the racing strike? It's really important for the racing community to be proactive and campaign to protect the future of our industry. The impact of the strike will become apparent in time, but it's right for us to be moved to act. I would hope that the strike will serve to raise awareness within our government of how the rise in gambling tax will negatively affect how racing is funded, but I also believe racing needs to turn to those within to be ultimately responsible for adopting a better funding model.
Read more:
'Why are you risking all of this?' - racing's enormous economic and social contribution to the UK
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