Lana new to our Youth Collaboration Group is currently on 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 her excitement builds for when the Worcester season really kicks in!

Hello Lana, can you tell us a bit about your background in the horseracing industry?

I have always been into horses and ridden from a young age. From the age of 10 onwards it really kicked in and I took it up as my main sport. Riding every weekend, mucking out join in on Pony Club activities, 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 I then decided to buy my own thoroughbred at the age of 13/14. He was called Freddie, and I did everything on him, he showed me what real speed and talent was. I decided from him I was going to work with thoroughbreds.

When I was 14/15, I got a job riding out on a yard. I would also muck out, turnout and do all the general yard duties. I did a year at this job and then moved onto retraining and rehabilitation of thoroughbreds and that gave me an even bigger insight to the whole of 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 have retrained myself. So, since a very young age I have been exposed to horses and just adore the thoroughbred making me want to work with them and watch them do what they love, run!

Where did you find out about your current role?

I found out about this role on Careers in Racing. I just simply googled racing jobs, and the website came up. I used their site to specify which job type 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 within the racing industry to which I found my current one.

How did you get into this role, what was the interview process like?

After I saw this job, I wrote up a CV and a couple of cover letters and ensured I was ready to send it in. I submitted it and within 5 days I had an email back saying they loved my CV, and they then offered me an interview. I went for my interview just two days after. The interview was very steady however very informative and professional. I ended up being in there for an hour and a half just chatting and really getting to know everyone and the job role.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship for your career path?

I chose an apprenticeship as it was a form of education however & I was still earning money. I was really interested by the fact I could get paid to learn at same time.

I struggled with being in school and college because I would get bored very fast!

I also chose this apprenticeship as I understood and saw my career path gaining information and experience, I wouldn’t necessarily get this at College or University. Another reason I chose an apprenticeship is for my future employers to see that I have worked in the live environment and that I’m capable, experienced and knowledgeable.

What does a normal working day for you involve?

Once I’m in the office at 9am I get straight onto my laptop check my emails for any enquiries, questions, or new tasks. I then will complete them for the morning and go for lunch. Being at Worcester Racecourse it’s a good place to walk around so some lunch times I will take our office dog for a walk, or I will go into town.

I will have an online meeting with Sales and Marketing. Some of the tasks I complete are the whole behind the scenes of the horses running. I will look at our entries, social media, plus raceday activities such as hospitality & restaurant bookings. I have to ensure anything on the sight is ready for action, review past races to see what we could do better, look at offers and deals we could do in future. I communicating with other ARC sites and of course speaking to our visitors, answering their questions and queries.

I have to make sure Stable Staff, Owners and Trainers are all looked after and happy and that our venue is up to scratch for not only the people but the horses too. As we enter the season I will be doing more tasks regarding ticket enquiries for the public.

What is the best part of your job (so far!)

The best part of my job is seeing the horses, owners & trainers up-close being able to speak to jockeys and trainers. I love being able to stand in the parade ring, go into owners & trainers enclosure along with marquees and boxes to ensure everyone is happy and pleased with our services.

Is there a challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job for me is ensuring that I hit deadlines considering we race every week. The season is extremely intense for everyone working at this racecourse but especially because I’m new I’m feeling a little nervous however I’m so excited for the season ahead!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking an apprenticeship?

A piece of advice I would give is to not listen to anyone being negative about apprenticeships, if you think you can do it you are most likely more than capable. So just go for it and prove all the negativity wrong. It’s OK being nervous and unsure but try to not 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 by clicking here!