This story is from Lex whose part of the 2024 Racing Media Academy & the Youth Collaboration Group at Careers in Racing. Read her story on how she found her way into the sport!

So, I first got into the sport as I was from riding at a young and I have always been passionate about the equestrian industry. I have been a member of The Pony Club and competed in many disciplines however my favourite is mounted games.

I watched racing all the time on TV and wanted a career in the media world but I was not to sure where. I attended a Careers in Racing Explore Day at Newmarket in 2022. This gave me the opportunity to find out more about the sport and career options. I enjoyed the media side to the sport and started networking with the team assisting on some Careers in Racing social ideas, so TikToks & Instagram. A few months later I then joined the Youth Collaboration Group which opened the door to a load more opportunities. I got to network further with BHA, Raceday Staff & Racecourse staff doing interviews, social take-overs and also work for National Careers Week, Apprenticeship Week and International Women’s Day which was exciting.

I knew this was the right area for me, so I networked further with Sean in the team and was lucky enough to go to Doncaster Races on a Family Fun Day and York Ebor Festival in 2023. This was my first-time planning and managing the socials, so I had to plan my day, where I needed to be the content I needed and so on. This gave be the insight to what it’s like working on course in the live environment and I found it super exciting. Knowing it was all on me (with the help of Sean if needed) I knew this was the career path for me.

My next step was trying to find a way into the media world. Although I had a full-time job balancing the two can be quite difficult at times. I then read about the Racing Media Academy. After a quick chat with Sean on a bit of advice I knew I had to go for it. I could not let the chance go. I got my CV up to date, helped where I could with the YCG and applied for the 2024 Racing Media Academy. The assessment day was a first for me I had never gone through an interview like that, and I seemed to be the youngest there. I tried my hardest on the day and hoped for the best.

A few weeks passed and I was at work and got the shock of my life. I was accepted on to the programme the same week I turned 18 years old! I secured a place with Arena Racing Company and was based at Doncaster Racecourse which is home for me so that was fantastic. We first went to the British Racing School in Newmarket where we have a weeklong residential stay. Here we will hear from everyone in the media horseracing world, this was an amazing chance to network. I had a great time on my placement and got to experience so much of the industry including marketing, social media, racecourse experiences and leading on many projects. I was lucky enough to travel to various racecourses and was extended in my placement.

I have now gone on to become an Engagement Assistant at the National Horseracing College. This has given me the opportunity to mix all of my equestrian passions and background showcasing the industry to the future. Plus using all my media and marketing skills I have picked up into this world.