Let's highlight the many great reasons to work in a stable

Having read the recent articles and views on the stable-staff crisis (June 7 & 8) I thought it was time someone highlighted the many great reasons why people should feel encouraged to start a career in the sport, as opposed to having all the reasons why they definitely should not fired down their throats.

I started at Philip Hobbs’s straight after leaving university with a sports science degree with the intention of using it as a gap year before commencing a job as a teacher. Six years down the line and I have neither left racing nor looked back. I love my job – that isn’t to say I don’t moan and whinge (we all do) – but there are not many others I would swap it for.

I have made many friends both close to home and across Britain through racing as a result of travelling to hundreds of different meetings. This season I spent the week at the big three festivals – Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown – and most racing fans would be delighted to get that chance. I’m lucky it’s part of my job and I’m even paid to be there!