Colonel Stephen Padgett OBE – Chief Executive, The National Horseracing College

On leaving school I trained at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Army as an Infantry Officer. I was fortunate to spend the next 37 years in a great variety of interesting, ‘though often challenging roles, in interesting places with interesting people.

In 2015, after living in many different locations with the military across the UK and overseas, my wife and I settled in our own home on the edge of the Pennines near Halifax. My main role since then has and continues to be CEO of The National Horseracing College, an independent provider training people for the horseracing industry. I believe passionately in the merits of sharing enthusiasm, experiences and stories while providing leadership and guidance to inspire and motivate young people to strive to achieve their potential.

In addition to my day job, I have several voluntary roles, including Chairman of a national trade union, a museum and a community association as well as being a charity trustee and even running a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. As a proud Yorkshireman, I am engaged in supporting and promoting our County as Deputy Chairman of The Yorkshire Society.

At home, my wife and I keep dogs, sheep, ponies and alpacas, maintain our drystone walls and manage woodland to benefit wildlife on our land. We enjoy sharing all those things with our two children, their partners and our growing grandchildren. Always keen on lots of different fitness activities from orienteering to triathlon and kayaking, I focus now on Pilates, walking, shooting and skiing.