Claire Kubler

Claire Kubler, who was at PwC from 2004 - 2008, swapped bank reconciliations for racehorses, and now runs her own training yard with her husband Daniel.

Background

After graduating with a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge, Claire joined PwC and qualified as an accountant, working in both audit and forensics, as well as mentoring undergraduates to help them find the right career path. However, as Claire had grown up around top quality thoroughbreds at her parent’s stud, she left PwC to pursue her passion for racehorses.

Having worked for the late Queen’s Racing Advisor to develop an eye for future talent, she then spent some time as an Assistant Trainer both in California and Newmarket, before she and her husband established their own training yard, Sarsen Farm in Upper Lambourn.

In May 2020 Claire and her husband Daniel became the first husband and wife to be officially licenced as a training partnership in the UK, and have produced over 100 winners including at big racing festivals with prize money of nearly £1.5 million.

Claire has also been a Trustee of the British Racing School, the leading training provider in the industry, where her role encompassed supporting the recruitment, development and retention for all those who work in racing yards as well as sitting on the finance committee.

What is your fondest memory of your time at PwC?

Working alongside ambitious, fun, like-minded people. Our year group in Manchester was a fantastic group of people and I loved all the times we spent together. I was lucky to have great mentors whose advice and guidance still remain with me today.

What did you learn during your time at PwC that you still keep with you today?

The importance of high quality support, development and feedback for everyone. Within racing yards there was very little of this when I started. It’s been a key component of setting our business apart in the sport. We have shown others what can be achieved and the positive impact a focus on development can have on your team and how that tracks through to results on the racecourse. We are recognised within the industry as outstanding employers winning several awards for leadership and team development, this is something my time at PwC laid the foundations for.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take all the opportunities at PwC to network and gain mentoring support as you are surrounded by incredible people with a wealth of talent and knowledge.

"We are recognised within the industry as outstanding employers winning several awards for leadership and team development, this is something my time at PwC laid the foundations for."

^{Claire Kubler}