The latest Racing Together blog outlines how the Cheshire Racing Hub, part-funded by the British Horseracing Grant Scheme, is working to promote careers in racing and raise the profile of racing within the community.

Young people are being encouraged to ‘kick on’ into a racing career thanks to a new project which turns the spotlight onto Cheshire’s thriving horseracing industry.

‘Racing Through Education’ has been launched by the Cheshire Racing Hub – which was formed in 2013 to promote horseracing careers and encourage the growth of equine business and investment in the area – to promote the wide choice of attractive careers available in the industry to secondary school pupils, college students and veterinary undergraduates.

The Cheshire Racing Hub is led by Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of its rural regeneration strategy. It is supported by partners: Reaseheath College in Cheshire (a leader in equine education now offering a bespoke racing module taken up by over 40 students); the University of Liverpool and Chester Race Company (which operates Chester and Bangor-on-Dee racecourses).

As part of the ‘Racing Through Education’ programme, local schools and colleges are being encouraged to promote horseracing as an exciting, but often unrecognised, career route which is available locally. The message coincides with national publicity about a critical staff shortage in the racing industry.

Speaking at the Malpas yard of point to point trainer Oliver Greenall, where the ‘Racing Though Education’ launch was held, Chair of Cheshire Racing Hub Kay Kent said:

“Horseracing is growing in economic importance to Cheshire and we are delighted to receive funding from the British Horseracing Grant Scheme to highlight the careers opportunities available to young people across the county, from both rural and urban backgrounds.

“It’s important that young people fully realise just how many rewarding jobs are available, not just riding and  caring for racehorses but within the support industries such as farriery, veterinary services, equine dentistry and physiotherapy, nutrition  and racing administration. We will be working with both local and national training providers involved with racing to ensure young people have all the information they need to take their first steps into a racing career.”

Work is already underway, with the first careers talk held at Bishops Heber High School. Following the talk, students were provided with the opportunity to express their interest in a racing industry visit.

The first taster day was also conducted at Reaseheath College for students on Further Education programme. Following a series of talks by industry professionals, students enjoyed an arena demonstration, ‘A Day in the Life of a Racehorse and Stable Staff’ with two horses from Oliver Greenhall Racing, compered by ex-jockey Carrie Ford. Students were also provided with talks on career options within racing, insight into the life of a jockey, and guidance on riding technique.

Meanwhile, two veterinary students, who completed pre-clinical work placements using bursaries from Cheshire Racing Hub, attended Bangor-On-Dee races on Saturday 28^th November and shadowed the racecourse and British Horseracing Authority veterinary teams.

Sean O’Connor, Community Engagement Manager for Racing Together, commented:

“A core objective of Racing Together is to connect young people with employment opportunities and alternative career pathways to support the continued health and future prosperity of British Racing. Initiatives such as the Cheshire Racing Hub offer great potential and is another good example of Racing coming together with its partners in the local community to fill a gap and deliver a programme that connects aspiring young people with the many opportunities that exist for a fulfilling and rewarding career within British horseracing and the Equine industry.”

For more information on the Cheshire Racing Hub, please visit www.cheshireracinghub.co.uk