I just love horses and get a real thrill every time we go racing

The invaluable role played by stable, stud and racecourse staff has been recognised by Racing Staff Week, which began on Saturday. Sponsored by Betfair, it is designed to inform and engage racegoers and backers of the sport, while rewarding those who dedicate their working lives to the racing and bloodstock industries. This week we speak to those who spend their lives supporting the sport, day in, day out

NamePhilippa Hyne

Age 26

Job Head Girl for Devon trainer Jimmy Frost

What does your working life entail?
It mainly involves keeping everyone in order. We start at 7.30am and I organise the first lot at 8am. We finish at 1pm and come back in for evening stables at 2.30pm to check all the horses are okay. I also go to every meeting, whether it’s travelling up to Worcester or closer to home at Newton Abbot.

How did you first get involved with horses?
I didn’t really have much choice but to love them. I was three when Mum sat me on my first pony, which she probably regrets now, and I’ve been mad for them since. Outside of work I do eventing with my two horses and dressage training when I get time.

What encouraged you to go into racing?
I took a slightly weird route into racing. My dad had racing in his blood and rode in point-to-points, so I always half-thought about doing it. But it was only when I was looking for a job and a vacancy came up at Jim’s six years ago that I decided to pursue it.

Philippa and Jimmy Frost leading out Bryony last seasonCredit: Frost Racing Club

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I just love horses and get a real thrill every time we go racing, whether it’s a good or bad day, it’s great to be a part of. You meet new people wherever you go and it’s quite sociable. There’s only five or six of us at the yard, so we're a close group and work together like a little family.

And you get to work with Bryony Frost, has her rise through the jockey ranks given the yard a boost?
It has definitely given us a lift and I've been lucky to grow up with her. You can’t hack out on the roads now without people stopping you and asking after her, which is great.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
I suppose the biggest challenge is keeping everything running all year round and ensuring every horse – and everyone – stays in one piece. There’s a great deal of responsibility whenever horses are involved, especially when you go racing.

How difficult is it to attract young people to become stable staff?
It's tough because the hours could be considered unreasonable. On a typical raceday, you can start at six in the morning and finish at six at night. The longest I’ve done is a 22-hour day round-trip. But if you love the job then you just knuckle down and get on with it.

You are taking part in Racing Staff Week Cup at Newton Abbot on Friday. Are you nervous?
I’m incredibly nervous because we’re going to be on TV and everything! I’m really excited though. I’ve never done anything like it before so hopefully it’ll be good fun. We’re raising money for Racing Welfare and while I’ve not had to use them yet, it’s a big confidence boost to know they’re there.

Would you consider taking out a riding licence?
I’ll see how it goes on Friday. If I get a real buzz out of it, then I might look into riding in some point-to-point races next season or possibly take out a Flat licence.

You can help Philippa raise money for Racing Welfare here