'It's all about gathering knowledge from the people around you'

In the first of our series on the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, Sophy Scott reflects on her progression since joining Mark Johnston straight from the British Racing School three and a half years ago, and on the sense of achievement she felt at coming out on top in the David Nicholson newcomer category last February.

What do you need to be successful working at a professional racing yard?

It takes hard work and a bit of self-motivation. You need to be able to work well within a team and to motivate each other. Also a bit of patience with the weather, the animals and the people around you

What's the best thing about your job?

I moved up to yard manager in February, just before the awards ceremony. I have nine staff and 32 horses in my care and I enjoy the responsibility at Johnston Racing, feeling like I contribute towards the team and the winners. The progression that is available as well as the opportunities for travelling and working with really talented horses. I was always willing to do extra to help out and that was picked up on very quickly, so I was given the assistant yard manager role as a shadow and to cover them when they were off. It gave me great insight into managing not only horses but people as well. It's all down to Mark, Deirdre and Charlie for trusting me with those extra responsibilities.

Mark and Deirdre Johnston oversee morning work at Kingsley Park stablesCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Johnstons are clearly a winning team, what would you say you have learned from them?

There was a video that Mark and Deirdre played at the party for breaking the record. They really started from the bottom and they have worked so hard. Even through hard times they have put their heads down and grafted to the point where he is now the most successful trainer in Britain. That is so encouraging and it is the same with the senior managers, many of whom have been in the game for many years and who have all worked so hard. They've pushed through the hard times and come out the other end shining. It’s all about gathering knowledge from the people around you

What are you most looking forward to about your working trip to Dubai?

That comes up in March for Super Saturday and it sounds so educational that I'm a bit worried I might not want to come back! It sounds action-packed and I'm thoroughly looking forward to seeing Charlie Appleby's yards and other yards around Meydan, the equine hospital and a bit of Dubai culture.

David Nicholson Newcomer Award winner Sophy Scott with assistant trainer Charlie JohnstonCredit: Dan Abraham

What did it mean to win the award?

On Friday we were in Newmarket trying to promote the nominations for this year's awards and the thing that all the winners had in common was just how shocked we all were to even get nominated, never mind be in the top ten, the top three and finally to win. It has really motivated me to do well and to encourage others in the idea that anything is possible, and that you do get recognised.

How important are these awards?

They are very important. People in racing all deserve a gold medal for the hours we do, the hard work and the bad weather. It's a very full on, fast-paced job so everyone deserves a pat on the back. The recognition goes a very long way, it definitely did for me. You're made to feel so special, so worthy and a real asset to the team. It's incredible.

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