Now I haven't posted a blog for a while. But I'd thought I would kick of a new set of reports with something a little different.
Yes, the usuale reports from Windsor and Fontwell will come thick and fast as we march on through the year. The Point to Point season starting in November will gets it's weekly podcasts and blogs. But this blog come comes from the heart and headquarters of the racing game, Newmarket. As I attend a course that gives an insight into the Trainers secretary, and hopefully gives it's pupils a bit of a foundation into this most important role in the racing industry.
I'm not going to go on too much about the school, one of two in the country, the other being in the North. But to say having stayed a few nights within the school ( at an affordable price and very well looked after) It was plain to see that the Industry needs such places as these, and possible one or two more.
At the time I was attending three courses for school/college leavers were in the midst of their training, you wouldn't be wrong to wonder beforehand, that having a group of 16 to 17 year olds in one place, away from home, Oh my the noise, am I too old for this??
But not at all.
Everyone I came across, students and teachers/trainers alike are courteous and respectful. Polite and helpful. If only the school was about when I left the clutches of my ole school satchel.........19??
The school does the industry proud, a big hozahhh to them, not all make it, but the images laced on the walls clearly shows the industry is littered with those who have got to a fine standard within the sport. From Jockey to stable staff. Journalist to secretary, ah secretary now that's what I'm here for so a bit has to be said on what bought be back to school.
A three day course, well attended from men and women that are already within the industry to those wanting a career change, the course as mentioned above gives you an insight to what you need to work as a trainers secretary.
Those who think it's all about making coffee, typing out letters and filing and being on the phone, oh how wrong you are.
Day one was all about, who is who in racing and of those who, what do they do, easy enough you may say, but then into the nitty gritty.
A big part on health and safety, oh yes the dreaded H&S. Does a secretary need to know all this?? Well someone has to and though it is not really about racing it has to be done.
But soon after we get back to the area itself with an insight into what the International Racing Bureau is all about with one of its key members Adrian Beaumont giving an insight of how us inspiring trainers secretaries can depend on him to get our horse running in such places as Sha Tin to Churchill Downs.
Insurance next, and an important part of an industry that must be one of the most dangerous sports we get in this country.
Lycetts again sending someone out to give us the insight to their role within the yard environment.
Heavy work for day one but more to come over the next few days
Day two, and into one of the important parts of the role, ahh yes the paymaster...... Who to pay and what, and when and how much. And if that was not all following on to a lecture from Lyn Williams from the British Horse racing Authority about the rules of the game, again all part in some way to the role.
Throughout the day visits from the European Breeders fund and the Racehorse owners association gave a great deal of insight into what was expected. Over the three days a few secretaries, yes I mean REAL actual racing secretaries came in to give an insight into their day. Alex Mant from George Scott's yard and Tim Hide from Ed Dunlops.
The final day, weatherbys and a good insight into declarations an important task within the racing yards set up. and the National trainers federation who works with all parts of the industry, gave us eager to absorb the information the ways and means of how we can assist the trainer into running of the business.
Now, those who may say well that's all fair enough, but each yard changes with each trainer or facility. Well the three days understands this. It gives you no magic formula, no set routine. But a foundation on from which to build. Well that's how I took it anyway.
Some it gave them an idea that this was not the part of the industry they wanted, okay a good thing I say, saves time and effort on everyone's part. But most of all it gives food for though.
The British Racing School itself, WELL DONE.
Some may knock you, but over the years I feel that number has dwindled, as mentioned it is what the industry needs I feel, more of it.
For me, watch this space, coming to a trainers office soon as it may be billed.
Before that though, more reports and blogs to come, with images all at my new website (you mean you have not visited it yet??)
