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Published: 24/06/2004 by Rodney Masters, courtesy of the Racing
Post
TAKE
FIVE Racing Secretaries:
'One well-known bachelor trainer encourages his secretary to iron
his shirts and to cook for visiting owners!'
THEY are
as busy as Chinese plate spinners. To accurately describe the multifarious
talents deemed essential when trainers advertise for a racing secretary
would stretch to the lengths of War and Peace.
In fact, the title of Tolstoy's novel is an authentic analogy to
a secretary's lot. Plenty of conflict, very little time for relaxation.
Even when there's a lull in the office, one well-known bachelor
trainer encourages his secretary to iron his shirts and to cook
for visiting owners!
As well as slaving at the sharp end of a stable's operation, they
in many ways represent the PR face of the trainer, and so require
self-control and diplomatic skills that would be the envy of many
in the civil service.
From our survey there is little doubt there's one recurring nightmare
- the horror of missing an important entry or declaration deadline.
They agree one slip there would never be forgotten, or easily forgiven.
As is the case with all employment, recognition is varied. For instance,
Debbie Albion is one of three directors of Mark Johnston Racing;
the other two are the trainer, and the trainer's wife Deirdre.
We spoke to four secretaries in Britain, and one in France.
Joline Saunders
Age 27
Trainer Richard Phillips
How long in present job
Three years
Background
Five years in Vodafone's business salesdepartment. 'I hated it and
used up my holiday days to go racing to try and make contacts. Richard's
assistant Gordon Clarkson asked me out of the blue at the races
if I was in work and, before I knew it, I was the stable's secretary.
My income is less, my hours longer, but I'm 100 times happier. There's
a lot to be said for job satisfaction and working alongside nice
people.'
Typical day's work
8am-5.30pm Monday-Friday, Saturday mornings, plus Sunday mornings
if the stable has a runner the following day or we have owners coming.
I do all the jobs one would expect of a secretary, including updating
the website, and a few you wouldn't expect - like ironing the trainer's
shirts!'
Do jockeys' agents drive you to despair?
'I'm a holiday replacement for Chris Broad, agent for Jim Culloty
and Timmy Murphyamong others, and I think they have a difficult
job. However, I enjoy my morning chats with the agents we deal with.'
Do you suffer nightmares over missing an important declaration deadline?
'Touch wood, this has not happened so far, however it is a worry
and when I first started working here, I used to literally have
nightmares about it and still do occasionally. '
Do you supplement your income by gambling?
'No, I am useless at betting.'
What's most likely to outrage the boss?
'He's a perfectionist and everything has to be neat and tidy. If
a file isn't where it should be, or someone has moved one of his
favourite pens from his desk, he'll go up the wall.'
Best part of job
'Seeing the young horses progress and turn into racehorses after
they arrived green and backward.'
And the worst
'I get very stressed when Richard invites 40 owners for lunch and
expects me to cook. The problem being I can't cook. Also, I hate
my nickname 'Dawn from The Office'.
Your horse to follow from the yard
Inland Run
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