If you’ve ever been to a race day at Racing Tauranga, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Carolyn – one of the warm, welcoming faces helping things run smoothly from behind the scenes. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she’s seen it all and still brings energy, humour, and heart to every event.
Her journey into racing was a happy accident. “One race day, many years ago, an acquaintance needed more hands on deck,” she says. “I offered to help – and I’ve never looked back.” Now, Carolyn works in the Secretary’s Office, providing customer service and admin support on race days – a role that keeps her on her toes. While some tasks are consistent from one meeting to the next, she says you never quite know what’s going to come your way on the day, and that variety is part of the fun.
Despite working in customer service, she notes that some things still surprise people – like the fact that credit cards and PayWave aren’t accepted on course. “That one always catches people off guard,” she laughs.
Carolyn is quick to say what she loves most about the job: the people.
“The wonderful people, camaraderie, and connections – both colleagues and customers,” she says. “And of course, the magnificent thoroughbreds that bring us all together.” While she can’t pick a favourite raceday – “each one has its own personality and vitality” – she says every meeting offers something memorable, whether it’s a moment, a person, or just the atmosphere.
Outside of race days, Carolyn spends time with her family, enjoys walking, and keeps busy with her full-time job. Her connection to Tauranga is family-based, though her life has taken her much further afield – including 19 years in Southern California, where both her children were born.
Though she never owned a horse herself, Carolyn shares a familiar childhood dream. “Like so many young girls, I always wanted a horse,” she says. “I did get to ride my friend’s horse now and then during my teenage years.” It’s clear her appreciation for the animals is genuine and enduring.
With more than 10 years under her belt, she’s gained a real appreciation for everything that goes into putting on a race day.
“The preparation and complexity of what happens behind the scenes is really underrated,” she says. As for her own role, she wouldn’t trade it. “I’ve never really thought about swapping jobs with anyone in the industry – I love what I do. And I get to observe all the other roles around me without envy.”
If she could give one piece of advice to someone new to the racing world? “Embrace it!” she says without hesitation.
Looking ahead, Carolyn is excited about the direction Racing Tauranga is heading. “I’m looking forward to seeing us grow what we offer while staying grounded and real,” she says. “We should hold our heads high and really own being ‘Racing Club of the Year’ – with that comes opportunity.”
Carolyn’s enthusiasm, warmth, and deep love for the industry shine through in everything she does – and Racing Tauranga is all the better for having her in its corner.