I’m not that different from War Admiral, Secretariat, Chocolate Moon Pie or JB Rich & Rare. Some of those names you may have heard before, while others are names you’re seeing for the first time.  They’re all names of horses that have won races, big and small.  They all have two things in common.  Well, three, counting you.

In horse racing and in your career, there are two very important people that can help you become successful in whatever you do.  You’re responsible for yourself, but you also have superiors who are supposed to be there to help guide you to the road to success.  In the horse racing world, these are the Trainer and the Jockey.

The Trainer makes sure the animal has a healthy diet, exercises properly and has the tools they need to be successful aka make it to the Winner’s Circle.  When trained and treated right which includes diet, human contact/support, they’ll typically perform well.  When treated poorly, the horse can end up hurting or even killing themselves and/or others around them.

I’ve seen this time and time again.  Horses that would be deemed as those not worthy of the race continue to prove everyone wrong.  It’s not about the pedigree or the owner.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some excellent Trainers.  Trainers typically make good mentors because they’ve been there, done that.  They have real-world experience and can share their wisdom with you so you can ratchet up your training plan, ensuring you’re in the lead.

Who is your Trainer?

Are you on the right track or are you endangering yourself and others??

The Trainer also has a responsibility for the Jockey.  They’re little guys (or gals) who can have a BIG impact on the race’s outcome.  The Jockey is the person who steers and coaches the animal to the finish line.  The Jockey in your career is whomever you report directly to…the boss.  They have direct responsibility to make sure you have the resources you need to do your job in a timely, effective manner.  Jockeys that beat their horses to just come in first don’t get a lot of respect in my book.   Jockeys that care about their animal’s well-being and safety as well as its future are the ones that get paid.  You may not win today, but with the right Trainer and right Jockey, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Do you have what you need to WIN??

Lastly, it’s not about who gets out of the starting gate first (just don’t trip and stay in your designated lane.)  The fastest horse doesn’t always win.  There are many variables, which is why it’s so important to have a good Trainer, a good training plan, and a great Jockey.  Preparation and perfect practice (not just “practice”) makes perfect.  When you factor in all the components which include training, health, track conditions, weather, your opponents and more, surprises still happen.  Maybe that’s Lady Luck…good or bad.

What will you learn from Lady Luck??