Two BHA employees are among the latest cohort of graduates to complete the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA – a masters-level qualification applying business concepts to the needs of British and global horseracing.

BHA Steward, Sally Lyons, and Regulatory Projects Officer, Lucy Ralph, celebrated their achievements at yesterday’s graduation ceremony in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which marked the culmination of the two-year course.

They join a growing list of BHA colleagues who have graduated from the programme since its inception in 2015, with four members of the team currently enrolled in the MBA.

Delivered by the University of Liverpool Management School, in partnership with the BHA and the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), the MBA is aimed at people who want to develop their leadership and management skills to enhance their career opportunities within the horseracing industry.

Studying part-time alongside their BHA roles, Sally and Lucy completed core MBA learning modules such as leadership and strategy, entrepreneurship, finance and economics, and marketing and supply chain management.

These were combined with specialised horseracing modules covering areas like equine welfare and ethics, the economics and finance of horseracing, sports law, regulation and integrity, and racecourse and events management.

They also produced dissertations, with Sally analysing the prevalence and possible associated risks of post-race heat stress in thoroughbred racehorses, and Lucy researching how and why thoroughbred traceability should go digital in 2020 and beyond.

Reflecting on the MBA, Sally said:

“The last two years have been really informative and enjoyable. There have been challenges, especially with balancing studying and my existing BHA role, but working around weekend and evening fixtures has been worth it.

 “I’m very grateful to the BHA, and especially my close colleagues, for supporting me through the process. The course combines business and management with racing-specific modules, which has equipped me with skills and experience that I can apply practically to my work and help support the wider racing industry.

 “I’d encourage anyone in a similar position to consider the course.”

Will Lambe, Executive Director at the BHA added:

“Congratulations to Sally and Lucy for completing the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA and joining a growing list of high calibre course alumni from both the BHA and our racing industry partners.

 “The MBA offers our industry a unique opportunity to nurture racing’s next generation of leaders by helping them develop their business management skills and learn how to apply these within a horseracing context.

“There are so many exciting opportunities for people within racing, and through this constructive partnership approach, we can help ensure our sport remains successful and sustainable.”

Notes to editors:

1. More information about the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA is available at: liverpool.ac.uk/horseracingmba/.
2. Four BHA employees are currently enrolled on the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA:

– Stephanie Farmer, Assistant Steward

– Melissa Fontep, Anti-Doping Administrator

– Sarah Gutteridge, Business Analyst

– Kate Maxwell, Veterinary Officer

3. Current BHA employees who have completed the MBA include:

– Steve Gibson, Head of IT and Business Improvement

– Matt Mancini, Retention Development Manager