Hannah Poole

Hannah Poole (YBA 2018-2024)

Hannah Poole attended Ysgol Bryn Alyn from 2018 to 2024 and has gone on to build an exciting career in the horseracing industry. After leaving school, she enrolled at the National Horseracing College, where she gained Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English, alongside specialist qualifications in the care, management and riding of racehorses.

Hannah is passionate about encouraging young people to follow their ambitions, particularly those who may not see themselves as traditionally academic. As a dyslexic student, she found classroom learning challenging at times and preferred practical, hands-on experiences to sitting behind a desk. Her journey demonstrates that success comes in many forms and that determination, resilience and self-belief can open doors to rewarding careers.

Today, Hannah works in the demanding but highly rewarding world of horseracing. Her days often begin before 5.00am and involve caring for horses, exercising them, travelling them to racecourses across Wales and England, and supporting them throughout their racing careers. She has had the privilege of working with some exceptional horses, including leading winners into the winner's enclosure at prestigious race meetings and caring for horses that have competed at the very highest levels of the sport.

The horseracing industry is not always a career pathway that young people hear about in school, but Hannah is keen to highlight the opportunities it offers. While the work can be physically demanding, with long days spent in all weather conditions from summer heat to winter snow, she believes the rewards far outweigh the challenges. For Hannah, working with horses every day means she is doing something she genuinely loves.

As she explains: "If you're doing something you love, you've never worked a day in your life."

Racing is also a sport that demands courage, dedication and trust. Hannah has experienced the risks that come with the profession, including falls, injuries and hospital visits, but her passion for the sport remains undiminished. She describes riding a racehorse at speed as an incredible partnership built on trust, communication and teamwork between horse and rider.

Hannah is also passionate about challenging misconceptions surrounding the racing industry. She emphasises the deep bond that exists between stable staff and their horses, explaining that the animals are far more than athletes: they are companions, friends and much-loved members of the racing team. The welfare and care of the horses are always at the heart of everything she does.

Hannah's story is a powerful reminder that there are many different paths to success. Through hard work, perseverance and a commitment to pursuing her passion, she has carved out a career that she loves. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to following her journey in the years ahead.