Shelley has had a long career in racing as both a professional and as an amateur, riding as a lady jockey for Richard Hannon and managing and selling shares for Hon Harry Herbert at Highclere Thoroughbreds.

Having also run her own highly successful showing and racehorse retraining yard in Lambourn including winning the Supreme title at the Horse of The Year Show, Shelley’s experiences have given her a broad insight into the issues that both staff and employer are presented within the racing industry. She also has a good understanding of the expectations of the younger generation due to her work with Racing to School, and with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust where she works with young people often struggling with emotional and mental health issues.

‘I have loved every moment of working with the thoroughbred racehorse and want to help promote the fabulous package and opportunities that this industry provides for attracting and retaining staff into the sport. A lot has changed since I returned to racing and we have a great package to recruit but to also entice back those grooms who have left the industry. Modern working practices, flexible working patterns and minimum rates of pay mean staff have never been better provided for especially when compared to other equestrian disciplines. We also have an ideal platform in the Racing Groom Hub to celebrate the dedication and talent within racing’s workforce who assist in the daily training of our equine athletes.

The Racing Groom Hub will help young people find work experience with a racehorse trainer and provide existing staff with industry news, training opportunities as well as some exciting rewards and discounts.’

Tel: 07753 982052
s.perham@racinggroom.com