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Published: 30/12/2003 (Features) Michael Caulfield
Part
Three
“What did you want to do that for”? I can’t recall
the number of times I’ve been asked that question since I
spent a fortnight in Richard Phillips’ stables over Christmas
My answer is straightforward. Working in a busy racing yard over
Christmas is good for you and it gave me an insight into those who
work in a modern training establishment. I felt genuinely sorry
for those families sitting in queues at the nation’s selection
of shopping centres whilst I was reaping the benefits of being invited
back to an environment that helped shape the rest of my life. One
which taught me discipline, respect and a good work ethic.
Although I have continued to ride out since I last worked full-time
in a yard in 1986, it was good to return to the coal face of racing
and compare the changes, both good and bad. Even in the space of
two short weeks, I got to know the staff and the horses and by the
end of the process I felt a certain affinity with both.
I have read hundreds of interviews over the years with trainers
who say they are only as good as their staff and I can now understand
the meaning of that statement. It almost makes me feel embarrassed
when I look back at some of the things I got up to when working
for Capt Tim Forster and David Nicholson and the endless bollockings
now make more sense. My worst offence in those days was not paying
enough attention and not recognising the responsibility that is
required when caring for other people’s racehorses.
So how much has the environment changed? The one thing that has
remained constant is the staff’s love of horses and their
enthusiasm to work in racing. They want to be associated with good
horses and all the staff at Adlestrop said that riding racehorses
is still the main draw. It is refreshing to see staff gallop past
on a crisp dry morning with a look of satisfaction and concentration
that can still be found in a racing yard. This wasn’t about
money or hours, it was about doing a difficult job well and the
thrill of riding a top class racehorse in its work.
A group of young people participating in a lifestyle they so clearly
enjoy generates humour and enthusiasm that remains the heartbeat
of a yard. At Adlestrop, no one is allowed to get above themselves
and you know you have been accepted once a nickname has been invented
and every part of your life has been scrutinised.
For those wanting to improve conditions of staff, they must accept
that a number of issues are beyond their control, especially in
a jumping yard. Daylight disappears as quickly as it arrives, it
can be wet and cold beyond belief and fatigue hits you before you
can do anything about it. This leads to an inevitable downturn in
mood among the staff and people begin to question why they have
chosen this way of life. The trainer can become the butt of their
criticism as he appears to have the easier job of fronting the operation
from a warm office or a Land Rover. If only it was as simple as
that. The bombs went off around Phillips on an hourly basis and
a trainer’s day is far from idle.
A young group of staff look to the trainer for guidance and leadership.
It may be difficult for him to see it through their eyes, particularly
if he feels that they have an easier time than was the case in his
day. A difficult balancing act if ever there was one.
This yard is not ruled by fear or terror management. The staff are
handed responsibility and once they know the routine are expected
to work efficiently. Staff and the management within the yard are
noticeably younger than 20 years ago. Living conditions are more
than acceptable with excellent accommodation provided either in
the yard or surrounding cottages. Money did not appear to be the
burning issue although everyone would like to receive higher remuneration.
They all appeared to know what they should be receiving in terms
of wages and conditions which have undoubtedly improved over the
years.
The most marked change was the ratio of people to horses working
in a yard compared to a generation ago. Phillips tells me that this
is the same throughout the country. It is not due to cost saving
or corner cutting but simply a case of available resources. This
has led to the recruitment of overseas staff from Brazil to Ukraine.
The busiest member of staff can sometimes be the mechanical horse
walker. This machine is capable of riding out many lots throughout
the day and is not dependent on the weather or daylight.
I had a memorable time at Adlestrop stables and this was all down
to Phillips and his staff. It reminded me of why any aspiring groom,
trainer or jockey comes into racing and how it still provides an
opportunity to achieve at the highest level. But if I returned to
the same environment in 2 years time I wouldn’t expect to
see the same faces. For the majority this may not be a job for life.
This is not because of chronic conditions or abuse of staff. It
is an exciting way of life but also one that demands special qualities
and skills that not everyone possesses. It is a job that can wear
you down. Racehorses can be difficult and unpredictable and even
the most dedicated can lose their nerve and enthusiasm for the job.
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