Judith Allen – Executive Director

Hello, my name is Judy and I have been working on the Racing to School' programme since September 2005, based in the south of England. I was lucky enough to get my first pony when I was 8 years old and have been riding ever since, though not in races! I love all things horsey, but became hooked on racing when I watched my all time favourite racehorse, Red Rum, win his third Grand National way back in 1977. Come racing and you'll see what fun it is!

Ollie McPhail - Regional Education Officer

Hi, I'm Ollie and I joined BHEST in the spring of 2006 as a part time Regional Education Officer. Initially I combined this role with being a licensed professional Jockey. However I have recently retired, having been race riding for over ten years. I am now a full time Regional Education Officer, helping run our Racing to School programme in the southern half of the country. I have ridden in over 2000 races, winning around 150 of them. I'll always remember my first winner - it was on a horse called Bright Destiny at Hexham on 24th March 1997. I have ridden in the Grand National 3 times, completing once in the year 2000 on Camelot Knight. If you come to one of the 'Racing to School' events I'll have lots of stories to tell you about what it's like being a jockey.

Vaughan Jones- Regional Education Officer

Hello, I'm Vaughan. One of my earliest memories is a family outing to Chester Races. So long ago now! A steam train took us from Holywell Junction. Picnic packed; cream cakes, cucumber sandwiches, Spam buns, biscuits and Vimto. The sound of the races; a brassband, a fair, cheering, thunder of hooves and groans when my Father slipped off his seat and sat on the cream cakes. I joined our education programme 'Racing to School' because, as well as believing the education days are a great way to learn. I also believe that going to the races is a great day out. Such happy memories!

Louisa Odell – Regional Education Officer

Hi, my name is Louisa and I am the Regional Education Officer for the Racing to School programme in East Anglia. I am based in the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) head office in Newmarket, the world famous headquarters of racing. I have worked for BHEST since November 2005 but I have only been involved in the Racing to School programme since January 2007 and I am really enjoying every moment of it! I used to ride ponies when I was younger, but stick to riding Flying Carpet these days (you may meet him if you come on a Racing to School day!)

Toby Becton - Education Programme Facilitator

Hi, I’m Toby. I worked in racing when I left school, as a professional jockey and as a head lad.  I’ve been Vaughan’s right hand man in the North of England for several years now, and really enjoy working on the Racing to School programme.  (Especially riding Flying Carpet as it keeps me fit!)

Jo McCain - Regional Education Officer

Hello, my name is Jo. I worked for the Racing to School programme on a freelance basis before being appointed Regional Education Officer in February 2008.  I come from a racing background, so have lots of stories to tell about growing up around horses.  You will probably meet me if you come to a racecourse in the North-West of the country.