James’ Story – Careers Support
From walking into his first job at Chasemore Farm with nothing more than passion and determination, to being recognised at the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, James’s path into the racing world hasn’t always been straightforward. When he decided to make a career change and follow his love of horses, Racing Welfare played a key role in helping him navigate the transition and access the guidance and training necessary to thrive within the industry. In this Q&A, James reflects on his journey into the sport, the support that helped him grow in confidence, and the pride he feels in being part of the racing community.
Tell us about your current role in horseracing. What does a typical day look like for you?
I am a stud hand at Chasemore Farm. A typical day consists of feeding horses in the stables and out in the paddocks, turning out, and mucking out. I handle horses including yearlings, mares, and foals, as well as grooming and their overall care. I work closely with the resident vet and farriers when they visit. I also drive the horsebox for coverings or for transportation to trainers, etc.
How did your journey in racing begin? Was it always something you wanted to do?
My journey began in 2020 when I was offered the chance to join Chasemore Farm. I had no previous experience working on a stud, or much experience with racehorses to be honest, so learning day to day is still what I rely on to grow and progress.
I was always a racing fan from a young age and have followed the sport since 1997, when I was aged 8. I wanted to be a jockey as a kid but never followed through with it going into my teens. So I am delighted now to be working with horses — growing up watching their stallions race makes it even more amazing.
Was there a specific moment when you realised you needed support with your career direction? What was happening at that time?
I hit a point in my life where change was needed. I had worked with my dad for 10 years in the motoring industry and I was mentally burnt out. I also faced some family challenges along the way. When I hit 30, I needed something to give me hope — something that could help me grow again — and with horses and Chasemore I found that.
How did Racing Welfare support you, and what difference did that support make to you?
Racing Welfare have been great recently in helping me with funding for the TRIC course at the BRS in Newmarket. I learned a huge amount, met some brilliant people, and left feeling so proud to be working in this industry.
There are so many avenues and different things you can do working in racing, and that course really shows how great it is to be part of it. The support I’ve received from Katy has also been fantastic — if I need help with anything, I know I can reach out anytime and the best support is there.
Did the support change how you see your future in the industry? If so, how?
I’m very settled and focused at Chasemore, but the support from Racing Welfare enabled me to understand the sport from a broader perspective, which was great.
What did it take personally to push yourself forward in your career?
It took strength, it took courage, and it took belief. Even though I was low on all of those things when I started, I grew step by step thanks to the people around me.
What does winning the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards represent for you, both professionally and personally?
It was a huge honour to receive the award and be part of such a special evening. One thing racing has is community spirit — you can sit down with people you have never met before and still have one thing in common, and that’s horses.
I was happiest to give something back to the people who have put their time into me and the faith they’ve shown to get me to where I am currently. It shows that if people believe in you and you are prepared to commit and push yourself, you can achieve anything.
What would you say to someone working in racing who might feel stuck or unsure about progressing?
Keep believing. Keep growing day by day. Reach out to the support network at Racing Welfare that’s there for advice.
As we mark National Careers Week, what do you think is important for people to know about building a career in horseracing?
Be yourself. Enjoy what you do. Work hard.
Studs are an amazing place to start your journey and progress. You are always meeting new people, making new friends, and learning new things. If you are based on the farm, it gives you the opportunity to get a good start in life.
It’s a great way of life and very rewarding watching horses grow and develop. I feel very fortunate to do the job I do.
Find out more about the careers support Racing Welfare can offer by clicking here.