3 minute read
Media, PR and digital executive.
Name:
Sophie Steel
Age:
28
Current Job Title:
Media, PR and Digital executive
How did you get into the industry?
My family has always been in the industry but for the majority of my younger years I wasn't interested. When I finished university, I was a personal trainer and worked managing the media, appearances and endorsements for AFL footballers for three years. Three years ago my boyfriend at the time (now husband) got offered a role in Sydney and I said I would come when I found a job. My current role at Godolphin was available and suited my skill set, so I applied, interviewed and was lucky enough to be awarded the role. From then, it's been a steep learning curve getting across all things racing and breeding.
What was your first job in racing?
In year 10 during school holidays, I helped out in the Lindsay Park office in an administration role. During university I also worked in the office one day a week, just assisting with odd jobs.
First racing memory?
Growing up in Hong Kong, all trainers, jockeys and their family's used to live on course. On Sha Tin race days, my brothers and I used to climb a tree with Chad Schofield and Dylan Dunn to watch the races over the fence.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
I am lucky to work with what I believe to be some of the best brains in the industry. There is no single biggest influence on career in this industry (so far!), but I have a number of mentors I turn to for advice on a regular basis, the main four being my parents, Vin Cox and Vicky Leonard.
If there was one thing you could change about racing / bloodstock in Australia, what would it be and why?
I don't think there is enough attention paid to the workload of our industry participants. It's tough for the trainers, stable hands, jockeys etc who attend night meetings on a Friday finishing at approx. 10:00pm, head to trackwork at 4:30am, then the races on Saturday. The hours are huge and can be relentless, it's not sustainable for our current participants or attractive for new participants.
What can racing do to attract more people?
See above answer, work with participants for sustainable work hours to help with work/life balance. To attract more owners we need to look at publicising welfare initiatives more effectively to reduce the stigma.
If you didn't work in racing, what would you be doing?
Probably personal training, I was a personal trainer through university and loved it. Or a PE Teacher.
Favourite racehorse of all time?
Miss Finland.
