Groom's Dress Code

joggers, t shirts and bibs

Our grooms have been wearing blazers, ties, flannels, with tartan or black caps etc on big race days for about 7 years now..... And on normal days they wear jeans, golf shirts etc. Quite dissappointing that only one or two Trainers have been noticed, as we believe that we were way ahead, in those days with the ties and blazers..

Every groom is issued with jeans, t shirts, winter jackets, wind breakers, gum boots, body protector, scull cap and Winter gloves for daily work. We dont do overalls, as the grooms are not mechanics....

It is our responsibility, not the responsibility of the bodies in racing. The parade ring is our "showroom", where we show our pride and where we acknowlege our Owners valuable input into our yard. Win, lose or draw, we want our Owners to know, without any doubt, that we have done our very best and we want our Owners to be proud of their horses in the ring, always.

So, we wouldnt be interested in any sponsor's overalls etc., forcing us to wear their stuff.

@ Louisg --- Your grooms always look well turned out. My hat off to you. Shows true professionalism in my view. (tu)

Thanks chrism. The point is that there are many other Trainers too, who assist their grooms with good, neat attire come race day. It is the minority who don't.

Our grooms all look after their overalls on the track and the parade ring, they really appreciate getting them.
We have a rule if they don't wear their uniforms we don't supply new ones.
Most of turffies grooms are well dressed.

I noticed Negev's grooms on race day. Very smart and well turned out.

Kudos to Louisg for making the effort.

It doesn't have to be Ascot level attire, but it's nice to see
grooms turned out as nicely as their charges.

louisg Wrote:

---

> Our grooms have been wearing blazers, ties,
> flannels, with tartan or black caps etc on big
> race days for about 7 years now..... And on normal
> days they wear jeans, golf shirts etc. Quite
> dissappointing that only one or two Trainers have
> been noticed, as we believe that we were way
> ahead, in those days with the ties and blazers..
>
> Every groom is issued with jeans, t shirts, winter
> jackets, wind breakers, gum boots, body protector,
> scull cap and Winter gloves for daily work. We
> dont do overalls, as the grooms are not
> mechanics....
>
> It is our responsibility, not the responsibility
> of the bodies in racing. The parade ring is our
> "showroom", where we show our pride and where we
> acknowlege our Owners valuable input into our
> yard. Win, lose or draw, we want our Owners to
> know, without any doubt, that we have done our
> very best and we want our Owners to be proud of
> their horses in the ring, always.
>
> So, we wouldnt be interested in any sponsor's
> overalls etc., forcing us to wear their stuff.

At the risk of sounding controversial, I feel I must say this: I think it is very demeaning / derogatory by congratulating a trainer for a well presented groom.

Not trying to stir up anything, maybe it's just me.

Jeez but one can read some shit on this forum :S

Snaith team always look smart

With apologies to the up-country trainers - my comments are restricted to the WC, because those are the ones I see regularly.

I find that the Snaith grooms (and horses) are usually stand-outs on parade. The Snaiths are streets ahead of most when it comes to marketing and their grooms' cheery boaters and smart outfits are always easy to spot. I don't know whether it's derogatory to compliment them on this or not - I think it's like any professional organisation that has a dress code or uniform - airlines, schools, etc all do it?

I think wearing a uniform is a way of showing that you are part of a family / organisation, as well as an advertisement that you represent that organisation. Obviously it can backfire, because if / when things go wrong, you are very visible too, but on balance as the old saying goes - dress for the job you want, not the job you have. It pays to aim high.

I think wearing a uniform also makes people aware that they are representing their boss or their organisation and because you are easily visible and identifiable, you are more likely to behave accordingly.

I appreciate that not all grooms can afford it and I think a uniform helps take away a lot of the stigma of finance, as no matter what your personal circumstances, you're given a uniform and everyone is the same and that's that. I think that's why most schools still opt for uniforms too.

There are a few grooms that one sees on a regular basis and (this is only my personal experience) - I find that the guys in the smarter uniforms are usually far more confident and willing to smile and chat with pride and enthusiasm about their charges. Cyprian is a favourite of mine from the Snaith yard and he will always greet me with a smile, a handshake and a comment or two on their day's runners if I ask. They love being part of a successful string and they love that their uniform means people immediately recognise that they are Snaith grooms and treat them accordingly. I think it gives them a sense of pride and community too.