Faces Behind The Races

M A I T I S TI R L I N G

M a r k e t i n g & S p o n s o r s h i p E x e c u t i v e

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU WORKED AT YORK RACECOURSE?

This is my third season in my current role. Before that I was the Marketing Assistant for 3 seasons.

OUTSIDE THE RACEDAYS AT YORK, WHAT DO YOU DO THE REST OF THE YEAR?

Plan for the following season! I oversee all the production of the brochures for the following season and update the website.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN RACING AT YORK

From when I was 10 years old my family have been involved in racing. When at university I emailed York asking if there were any summer roles available, I worked on the Pink Lady team then in the Owners & Trainers Restaurant. That led to a role as the Marketing Assistant for 3 years. I then worked at Musselburgh Racecourse for 18 months and returned to York in March 2019.

WHAT LOCAL TIP WOULD YOU GIVE A VISITOR TO THE CITY OF YORK?

Spend an extra day in the County, Knaresborough for a walk along the river then onto Harrogate for something to eat are both worth a visit!

WHAT IS YOUR RACEDAY ROLE AT YORK RACECOURSE?

I am the Media Liaison on a raceday, which involves looking after the journalists, broadcasters, and photographers; ensuring they are getting the information they need. I also communicate with the sponsors both before and during a raceday to ensure that their day is going as planned, from social media posts to remembering the winner’s rug!

THINKING OF RACING PERSONALITIES, PAST AND PRESENT, WHAT QUESTION WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO ASK THEM?

What makes them love the sport so much.

WHICH YORK RACEDAY WOULD YOU ATTEND IF YOU WERE NOT WORKING?

I would attend the Friday evening of Music Showcase Weekend. Racing followed by some live music is a perfect way to start a weekend - Kaiser Chiefs were my favourites.

AT THE END OF A RACEDAY AT YORK RACECOURSE, TELL US WHAT MAKES A GOOD RACEDAY FOR YOU IN YOUR ROLE?

That all the sponsors have been happy with their day, that the media managed to get their stories. I am lucky enough to see all the lovely comments that racegoers send to our social media, reading through them is normally a nice end to the day.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE WINNING PERFORMANCE AT YORK?

Lil Sophella (pictured above), who was my Grandma’s horse, won the EBF & Frank Whittle Partnership race in May 2016.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE RACEHORSE, PAST OR PRESENT?

My current favourite racehorse is Lord Glitters. I am a sucker for a grey and have really enjoyed following his career, home and away.

IF YOU COULD SHARE A TABLE IN THE VOLTIGEUR WITH 5 PEOPLE FROM RACING OVER THE YEARS WHO WOULD THEY BE?

I would have loved to have spent another afternoon with Peter Beaumont, a true gentleman who is a key reason to why I work in the racing industry now. If he hadn’t treated my family so well when my Dad got his first racehorse I do not think my love for the sport would be what it is now. Though another from the jumps code, I couldn’t not put Rachael Blackmore. I have followed her career from very early on and have loved seeing her make history. Another record-breaking jockey Hollie Doyle, she has always been a pleasure to speak to and proves that hard work that I’ve spied her doing at Oaksey House, gets results. So I can chat Lord Glitters and more, then Danny Tudhope, who is a fantastic northern based jockey. To guide our musings, Ed Chamberlin would complete an experience for the ages.