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Lana, a member of the Careers in Racing Youth Collaboration Group, is currently in the Arena Racing Company’s Apprentice Business Co-ordinator placement at Worcester Racecourse. She explains how this career path was perfect for her and how she’s excited for when the Worcester season really kicks in!
Can you tell us about your background in the horseracing industry?
I have always been interested in horses and have ridden from a young age. From age 10 onwards, my passion really kicked in and I took it up as my main sport. I rode every weekend, mucked out, joined in on Pony Club activities and I loved the adrenaline of going fast!
In 2019, I got my first thoroughbred on loan and that’s when I really fell in love with racing. I looked up her past and watched her old races. My ability started to grow and then I decided to buy my own thoroughbred at the age of 13/14. He was called Freddie and he showed me what real speed and talent was. Freddie made me decide I wanted to work with thoroughbreds.
When I was 14/15, I got a job riding out on a yard. I would muck out, turnout and do all the general yard duties. I spent a year doing this job, then moved onto retraining and rehabilitation of thoroughbreds. This gave me an even bigger insight into a racehorse’s life and career.
I enjoyed this job a lot as I had just bought a new thoroughbred called Jimmy (pictured above) who I retrained myself.
Since a young age, I have been exposed to horses and adore the thoroughbred – this is why I want to work with them and watch them do what they love, which is run!
Where did you find your current role?
I found out about this role through Careers in Racing. I searched ‘racing jobs’ and the website came up, which I used to search for the job I wanted. After working on a yard for multiple years, I decided I didn’t want to do that. Using the clear search function, I was able to identify other job roles in the racing industry and this led me to my current role.
What was the interview process like?
I wrote a CV and a cover letter. I submitted it and I got an email back that said they loved my CV and they offered me an interview. I went for my interview a couple of days after. It was very steady, but very informative and professional. I was there for an hour and a half, just chatting and really getting to know everyone and the job role I was interviewing for.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship as your career path?
I chose an apprenticeship as it was a form of education but I was able to earn money. I was really interested in the fact that I could get paid to learn at the same time. I struggled with being in school and college because I would get bored very fast.
I also thought it would help my career by being able to gain information and experience that I wouldn’t necessarily get at college or university. I wanted future employers to see that I have worked in a live environment and that I’m capable, experienced and knowledgeable.
What does a normal working day look like for you?
I start work in the office at 9am and get straight onto my laptop to check my emails for any enquiries, questions or new tasks. I will then complete them in the morning and go for lunch. Being at Worcester Racecourse, it’s a good place to walk around for lunch, and sometimes I will take our office dog for a walk or go into town.
I have an online meeting with Sales and Marketing. Some of the tasks I complete are the behind the scenes of the horses running. I look at our entries, social media, and raceday activities such as hospitality and restaurant bookings.
I have to ensure anything on the site is ready for action, review past races to see what we could do better, and look at any offers and deals we could do in the future. I communicate with other ARC sites and speak to our visitors, answering their questions and queries.
I have to make sure that Stable Staff, Owners and Trainers are all looked after and that our venue is up to scratch for people and horses. As we enter the season, I will do more tasks regarding ticket enquiries for the public.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is seeing the horses, owners and trainers up close and being able to speak to the jockeys and trainers. I love being able to stand in the parade ring, go into the owner and trainers enclosures and the marquees and boxes to ensure everyone is happy with our services.
Is there a challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is ensuring that I hit deadlines because we race every week. The season can be intense for everyone at the racecourse, but especially for me because I’m new. I’m feeling nervous, but I’m so excited for the season ahead!
What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking an apprenticeship?
I would say if you think you can do it, you are most likely more than capable. Just go for it and prove all the negativity wrong, especially around apprenticeships. It’s ok to be nervous and unsure, but try not to let that get in the way. It’s completely normal to feel like that!
Find out more about the Careers in Racing Youth Collaboration Group.
