The montage featured here is made up of photos of just some of those wonderful people involved in our industry and, over the coming weeks we will be profiling around 30 who each fulfil a particular role.

We will be asking them how they came to be involved in racing, what they love about their job and what advice they would give anyone wanting to get involved.

As well as being an opportunity to promote the many and varied roles in racing, we will also get to celebrate some of the hugely passionate people in our industry.

Name:  Andrew Carston 

Role:  Thoroughbred Trainer, Riccarton Park 

Length of time in racing:  20 years in racing 

How did you get involved in the industry:  Family always been in the industry, started helping Barrie Taggart at Riccarton while still at school as my brother was apprenticed to him, went from there to Les Didham as my first job in racing.

What are your favourite aspects of your role:

• Nothing more rewarding than winning any race, but obviously listed and group races are the pinnacle.
• Getting a project, a tried horse normally from up north, changing things around and getting them back in form is something I challenge myself to do.
• Seeing one of my apprentices or staff ride or train a winner is very pleasing for me.
• Getting results for loyal owners is also a rewarding part of my job.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in racing:  Racing is a great game, challenging and not for the faint hearted. My advice is to work hard and results will come and you can only expect to get out the industry what you put in.

Name:  Justine Sclater

Role:  Passionate thoroughbred breeder, racehorse owner and CEO of the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Association

Length of time involved in the industry:  Lifetime

How did you get involved in the industry:  As the daughter of an equine vet I couldn’t help but become involved and it then became an addiction from there on – I even pretended my pony Mischief was champion mare Show Gate.

What are your favourite aspects of your role:  The people, celebrating my fellow breeders’ achievements, being inspired and learning their story behind these successes. As a breeder growing young stock, following their careers and hopefully experiencing a proud “mummy moment”.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in racing: It’s a roller coaster but hang on for the ride as its it worth it and you never stop learning.