- Specifically targeted at equine college students in the UK to provide a new training and entry route into British racing
- Pilot course launched last year as part of ongoing efforts to attract more staff into racing
- Applications for 2018 course close in April
Applications are now open for a training course designed to recruit students at equine colleges to work in the racing industry.
Launched last year as part of ongoing efforts to attract more racing staff, the Entry to Employment Programme gives those who already have hands-on experience with horses the chance of a career in British racing.
Cliona Suggett, who completed the course at the British Racing School in 2017, said:
“I loved the course, and the British Racing School has helped provide me with the experience and knowledge to allow me to take on an amazing job at a yard.
“All the staff couldn’t be any more supportive in my career and their knowledge about the industry truly shows in their teaching.
“It was a great course for college graduates like myself who thought we were too late coming into the industry.”
The course consists of a five-week residential training course followed by a work placement at a training yard and will teach students the specifics of how to ride and look after racehorses.
Applicants must have recently graduated or be in their final year of studies for an equine or animal-related qualification at an equine college and have a strong interest and desire to work with racehorses.
Trainer Andrew Balding said:
“This is an excellent programme that will give equestrian students direct access into the racing industry, not just as a potential jockey but for other sides of the industry too.
“We hope we, at Kingsclere, can continue to work alongside Careers in Racing by offering students placements which show them the real life within a racing yard.”
The residential courses will run during the summer months at both the British Racing School in Newmarket and the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, with applications now open until April.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day which will include an interview and assessment of riding ability, fitness and suitability for the course.
Michelle Douglas, Careers Marketing & Recruitment Advisor at the British Horseracing Authority, said:
“We were pleased with the results of the 2017 Entry to Employment Programme, with over 80% of the students who took part being placed into employment in racing.
“We are looking to build on the numbers in 2018 and I would encourage any equine college students who love horses and have never considered a career in racing to give it a try.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Entry to Employment Programme was launched in 2017 with support from The Racing Foundation, having been developed by the British Horseracing Authority, British Racing School and Northern Racing College.
2. The training for the 2018 course remains free of charge, with a fee payable for accommodation.
3. The British Racing School and Northern Racing College are two of the British Horseracing industry’s approved training providers. Based in Newmarket and Doncaster respectively, they provide a wide variety of training in all aspects of the racing industry including stable staff training for Racing Grooms and training for Jockeys and Trainers.
