A Dalton woman has received a high profile award in the equestrian world for her work in a top horseracing yard which was recognised by the British Racing School. Lifestyle reporter GABRIELLE ROWLEY talks to her about her fast-paced, hands-on job.

MANY students have just received their A-level and GCSE results and will be planning out their futures whether at university or in the workplace.

Every now and then somebody has a dream that is just a little bit different and with enough determination and dedication they can forge out their dream career in an industry that means the world to them.

Kate Phizacklea, 22, of Greenhaume Cottages, Dalton, followed her dream of working with horses to become head lass at a top National Hunt racing yard in Alcester near Stratford-upon-Avon.

After the Olympic fever and British pride that surrounded Rio 2016 the eyes of the country were on equestrianism. British showjumper Nick Skelton became the second-oldest Olympian ever to win a gold medal. He took away the gold medal for showjumping at the age of 58.

Dalton-born Kate has a connection to Nick, in that she works for his successful son Dan, who runs his own racing yard with his brother Harry as stable jockey.

Kate has just received the BRS's prestigious award of best female graduate of 2015 after completing the course in June of that year.

After graduating, Kate joined Dan Skelton’s team of staff, and within a year proved herself worthy to make head lass of the second yard.

She said: "I was over the moon to hear I had been nominated for the award. With being so busy at work I didn't really realise how great it was until I arrived at the presentation evening at Newbury racecourse.

"I'm so grateful for everyone who has helped me achieve everything I have. Right from the beginning of my career people have steered me in the right direction and I wouldn't be where I am without that.

"Dan And Harry Skelton have been invaluable in helping me achieve my goals so soon in my career. They are so very supportive to me and I hope I can repay them with my hard work and achievements."

Going in to a career in horse racing might not be something that pops in to many people's heads when they leave school; but for Kate it had always been a dream.

She said: "I have been around horses ever since I remember, and began riding at Seaview riding school at Walney. I've had my own ponies as a child and have been hooked ever since. I always visited Cartmel Racecourse as a child. The excitement has always captivated me. That's where the bug for racing began."

Plenty of young girls from the Furness and district branch of the Pony Club get the chance to work with stunning racehorses in Cartmel's stable yard; and their final races of the season will take place today and Monday.

However, a day in the life of a head lass on a top racing yard can be pretty extreme. Kate talked us through some of her highlights as well as the less than glamorous early starts.

She said: "A normal day for me begins at 6am, feeding the horses, checking them over, and managing the yard.

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"We begin riding at 7.30am and we ride out until 1pm. Then I get time to go home for lunch before coming back at 3pm when the horses get mucked out, brushed and fed. My day usually finishes at around 6pm.

"I'm incredibly lucky to have visited so many amazing places. I've been to the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National festival and travelled all over the country.

"The best place I have been is Auteuil in France. I took a horse called Al Ferof there in the summer and it was the most incredible place I have seen. The racecourse is a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower and is right in the middle of Paris. It had a fantastic atmosphere."

Kate's parents Dave and Jayne Phizacklea are understandably proud of their daughter who has reached her ambition of becoming a head lass in a very short time and of her winning her recent award, for which she received an engraved riding crop.

When it comes to horses, Kate doesn't have favourites, but one who has a special place in her heart is Abricot De L'oasis.

She said: "He's a quirky character but there's something about him that I find very endearing. Every time I ride him he teaches me something, mostly patience, and that I'm definitely not stronger than a horse!"

To follow Kate's career you can follow her on Twitter: @_KatePhizacklea

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