Jobs at Johnston Racing
Working in racing is, for most of us, a vocation, a way of life, not just a job and it is a great life. For the majority who are lucky enough to work in this industry, regardless of our role, it provides huge variety in our day-to-day job and takes us to places of which we might never, otherwise, have dreamed of visiting. Everyone working in racing should pinch themselves every so often and ask themselves what they might be doing if it wasn’t for this wonderful sport of ours.
Sadly, however, the industry has gained a reputation – mostly undeserved now – for low pay and long hours. This has, undoubtedly, proved a barrier to recruitment and, we believe, the long, often antisocial, hours, which cannot be denied, have similarly proved a barrier to retention. The racecourses and the betting industry are pushing more and more for racing in the evenings and at weekends and this has, at times, put unreasonable strain on the workforce.
At Johnston Racing we like to think that we have led the field in staff management and training. Way back in 1987, when Mark Johnston started training in Lincolnshire, he broke away from the traditional staffing structure and deployed his staff according to their skills rather than having riders mucking out and performing yard duties. This was a major break from tradition but, in a short time, the whole industry followed.
Now we are breaking from tradition again to provide more time off for our staff and a better work/life balance. Grooms and riders at Johnston Racing will now have a minimum of one day off in every calendar week. The standard working week will average out at 40 hours and any hours worked beyond that standard will be paid as overtime.
Riders
Riding skills are very highly valued at Johnston Racing. Here at Kingsley Park we have all the latest tools (horse walkers, two swimming pools, water walker, treadmill, etc.) to help us train horses but, unlike some trainers, Charlie Johnston does not believe in using these ‘gadgets’ as a substitute for ridden exercise. We want good, skilled, light-weight riders. If you have these skills, or you are en route to acquiring these skills, please contact us. We want to add the best people to our record-breaking team.Grooms/Yard Staff
Grooms and yard staff are, in many ways, the backbone of our business. These are the people who free up the riders to exercise the horses and, above all, care for the horses’ daily needs. We want to attract the best, most conscientious, yard staff. If you think you can make a difference for us, please let us know.Weekend work
Our new working patterns create opportunities for those who just want a few hours work at the weekend or on a Monday. This might suit those wanting to return to racing after an absence or looking for an introduction to the industry.Part-time stable staff
Large numbers of good people are lost to our industry, and most other industries, each year because family or other commitments prevent them from working the normal working week. If you have something to offer us but cannot work a normal 40-hour week, please get in touch. We are interested in offering part-time positions for school hours only or other flexible working patterns to get good people into, and to return to, racing.Racing School
We have a good working relationship with both The British Racing School and the Northern Racing College. We recognise that these racing schools are our best source of new young talent. If you are at racing school, we would love to talk to you about the possibility of working for Johnston Racing.To apply about working at Johnston Racing, email your CV to: jobs@johnston.racing, or send your CV with covering letter to Michael Flory, Johnston Racing Ltd. Park Farm, Middleham, North Yorkshire. DL8 4QZ