Following the appointment of Paul Barton to the role of Head of Stewarding in March, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is pleased to confirm details of a structural review of the Stipendiary Steward team, in addition to announcing the first three recruits to the new Trainee Stipendiary Steward Scheme.

Robert Earnshaw, reporting directly to the Head of Stewarding, continues in his role as a Stipendiary Steward Manager and will take on line manager responsibility for the whole Stipendiary Steward team, as well as additional responsibility for Trainee Stipendiary Stewards. Following the review, four Stipendiary Stewards – Colin Vickers, Adrian Sharpe, Adie Smith and Greg Pearson – will work in a management support capacity, including supporting the development and training of the Trainee Stipendiary Stewards.

The BHA can also confirm that following substantial interest in the Trainee Stipendiary Steward Scheme, Sam Angell, Max Pimlott and Charlotte Risius have been recruited and began their roles this week. The Trainees will assist Stipendiary Stewards in the regulation and operation of the raceday, whilst also gaining an understanding from the Handicapping team of form patterns and the allocation of official ratings. The Trainee Stipendiary Stewards will be based at both BHA Head Office and on the racecourse, and initially begin a one-year placement with the potential opportunity for a permanent role, most likely within the Raceday Operations and Regulation department.

Paul Barton, Head of Stewarding at the BHA, said:

“We are very pleased to be able to welcome Sam, Max and Charlotte on to the team as part of the new Trainee Stipendiary Steward Scheme. Their roles will allow them to gain first hand experience of working in the field of Racing regulation, whilst the scheme may potentially provide BHA with a platform in which to recruit and train the Stewards of the future.”