'It was definitely up there with my best experiences in racing' - TIEA award winner relishes her trip to Arc weekend

The winner of the newcomer award at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards at the start of the year is already looking forward to her next trip abroad, having been part of trainer Andrew Balding's team at Longchamp over the weekend.  

Tyla Macfarlane was new to racing when she joined the team at Kingsclere two years ago, but has quickly become a valued member of Balding's Classic-winning squad and relished a first opportunity to travel horses outside of Britain. 

Balding had five runners at the Paris track across Saturday and Sunday, including Kalpana in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Macfarlane had the opportunity to lead stablemate Alsakib up in the Group 1 Prix du Cadran. 

"It was my first time leading up in a Group 1 race and Alsakib's first time running in one, which was a great experience," said Macfarlane. "We left at 2.30am on Thursday morning and had a great time. I was a bit confused about everyone driving on the other side of the road, but riding out in the morning was a real highlight."

Balding's team were stabled at Chantilly and boxed to Longchamp on the day of their respective races, and the staff were well catered for, according to Macfarlane.

"Chantilly is gorgeous and we stayed in a really nice hotel," she said. "We were well looked after and ate out every night. The food in France is definitely a bit different to here, and I had to use Google Translate on my phone to read the menus."

Tyla Macfarlane: "Riding out in the morning at Chantilly was a real highlight"Credit: Dan Abraham

Macfarlane found Longchamp to be rocking for Sunday's Arc, while Saturday was a lot calmer in the paddock and around the course.

"My favourite part was definitely being led around the parade ring by the lady at Longchamp riding the pony," she said. "I was number one in the parade on Saturday, so right behind her, and that was really cool. 

"Sunday was so busy and I couldn't believe how hectic the stable yard gets over there. You see only stable staff in Britain, but in France you see all the owners and trainers, and there are so many different languages. 

"You couldn't move a muscle in the parade ring before the Arc, but it was great to see people like the O'Briens and have the chance to speak to their travelling staff. It's definitely something I'd like to do again in the future."

Coltrane in the Cadran and See The Fire in the Prix de l'Opera both finished second for team Balding, and Macfarlane and her workmates were pleased with how the stable's runners performed over the two days. 

"Each and every one of them did a great job considering they had to travel for so many hours to a place they didn't know," said the 18-year-old, who was still in high spirits on Monday despite being held up by customs and veterinary checks on the return leg.

"We've not had a runner in the Arc for a long time, so that was exciting to see. It was definitely up there with my best experiences in racing."

Macfarlane, originally from Barnsley but now settled close to Kingsclere, said her newcomer award had helped open countless doors. With less than a month until nominations for this year's awards close on November 4, she urged employers not to miss their chance to shine a light on the good work of their staff.

"It's been amazing since I won the award and I've had so many different opportunities since," she said. "Whether you win or not, the whole build-up is incredible, and it's a brilliant night for everyone involved."

Read more:

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'She ran a great race' - Breeders' Cup still an option for Minnie Hauk after going so close in Arc 

Japan's Arc hopes dashed again but Byzantine Dream 'proves he's up to this level' after late gamble  

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