'It's a privilege to help jockeys throughout their sporting careers'

What makes for good stable staff?
Having worked at the coalface with horses and in yards for many years prior to my time at the Jockeys Employment & Training Scheme (Jets), I appreciate all that goes into the production, training, welfare and management of horses. It has to be a passion for the racehorse, and good stable staff will know their horses inside and out. Their work is invaluable in keeping them happy, fit and healthy.

How important are these awards?
I think these awards are essential in highlighting the depth of experience, knowledge and skills that good stable staff possess. Having spent the day with all the finalists in February this year, it impressed me what brilliant people we have working in these roles in the industry, and it is vital their work and skills are recognised.

What did it mean to win?
Winning the Rory MacDonald Community Award meant the world to me, and to have the award presented to me by Sir Anthony McCoy ensured the night will live long in my memory. In my role as manager of Jets, I was lucky enough to work with [former British Racing School chief executive] Rory for 14 years, and he put so much into the racing industry and the British Racing School. It was an honour to win an award in his memory.

What is the biggest challenge stable staff face?
I would imagine the biggest challenge to stable staff is similar to the biggest challenge of jockeys I work with, in that racing can be an all-consuming job, with little time for anything else.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?
A year ago I would have said the 35,000 miles a year and more I would drive to cover the whole country in my role. However, we have recruited former jockey Phil Kinsella as my Jets colleague in the north, which is great as he can ensure a really good level of coverage in that area, and I can drive less and get more work done.

What is the best thing about your job?
I really enjoy working in a people development role; we have a great network of support to help develop jockeys as top sportspeople and –along with the Injured Jockeys Fund, Professional Jockeys Association, the BHA and the racing schools – we are working to constantly improve what we are doing. It's a privilege to work with jockeys and help them throughout their sporting careers.