Working above and beyond the call of racing duty

Lesley White
56
Travelling head lass for Mick Channon

Although 'travelling head lass' may be Lesley White's official job title, it barely scratches the surface of this redoubtable character's longstanding role at West Ilsley. "I can't imagine life without her," says her employer Mick Channon. "She's our travelling head lass, but her remit goes way beyond that."

As dedicated as they come, White has been with Channon ever since he started training – earlier, in fact, as she used to babysit Michael and Nicola Channon some 40 years ago. "I think the only reason I'm still employed is that he hardly ever sees me these days," laughs White, who lives at the yard and pulls out every morning at 5.15am, rain or shine.