Please explain your career path since completing the programme in 2028

After Great British Racing, I worked at the National Stud for six months focussing on mares, foals and weanlings. I was then fortunate enough to go to New Zealand where I completed a season of Yearling prep at Little Avondale Stud. Upon my return to the UK, I began my role as a bid spotter for GOFFS working for Grad Scheme alumnus Tim Kent. I was fortunate enough to work part-time for GOFFS for 11 months before I began my role as a researcher at Sky Sports Racing. I started reporting for SSR two years ago and still love the role as much as I did when I started!

What does a normal working day for you involve?

When I’m in the UK a normal day reporting for an afternoon meeting would begin when declarations drop 48 hours before racing. I’ll make my way to the racecourse giving myself plenty of time to walk the course and speak to the many people who put a race meeting together. I’ll record an opener for the show highlighting key storylines ahead of the day, discuss any major market movers and offer some selections. Once we begin racing, I’ll be moving around the racecourse, assessing horses in the parade ring, speaking to connections, and interviewing winning riders. Throughout the day I’ll be pursuing news lines both on and off the track for both our broadcast and digital platforms.

Once the final race is run, I’ll do a wrap where I talk about the highlights of the meeting and encourage our viewers to continue watching.

Why did you choose your current career?

I was too heavy to become a jockey and I was desperate to be involved in racing in some shape or form. I grew up watching racing on the BBC and Channel 4 and I was fascinated by the presenters and reporters. I’m still incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be one of those reporters today.

How did you start out in the industry?

I rode from the age of five but despite begging my parents I never had my own horse. After spending some time at a large livery yard, I got in touch with Di Grissell, who trains pointers in East Sussex, and asked if I could come and ride out. For some reason she said yes and gave me my first opportunity in racing!

What is the best part of your job?

Interviewing a wide range of people, seeing beautiful horses and being paid for the privilege. I get such a kick out of speaking to people I grew up idolising whilst at the same time trying to give a voice to the smaller names in our industry. It’s great being able to watch the development of young riders as they grow as jockeys and people.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Sometimes things occur that are totally out of your control and you have to react on the fly. I remember being at Southwell just after the floods and being unable to use our comms system for the entire meeting. In times like this, you feel like a passenger in a car spinning out of control. However, in those situations, you must remain positive and become as flexible as possible to create the best broadcast you can.

What did you gain from your time on the programme?

The knowledge of parts of the industry that I didn’t know existed and an appreciation of the sheer size of our industry. However, the most important thing I gained from the course was the connections with my classmates. Many of us were the only horeracing fans in our schools and universities and to be surrounded by so many like-minded people was a dream come true.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone on the programme?

Take it all in. You may think that you already know what you want to do but you will be faced with so many roles that you didn’t even know existed. Ask any questions and never be afraid to pull up a guest speaker after their presentation if you have any further questions. The most important thing is to go racing and take advantage of all the behind the scenes access that the course provides.