The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will extend its partnership with youth charity The Prince’s Trust by hosting more Racing Experience Days for young people in 2014.
BHA delivers behind-the-scenes days at racecourses for members of the Prince’s Trust’s xl programme. Many of the attendees have never been racing before, or seen a horse up close. The days enable the young people to meet those that make a day’s racing happen, including the Stewards, Starter, Clerk of the Course, Vets and Judges. Jockeys also talk to the young people about their careers and a brief talk is given about the various opportunities in the Racing industry.
In 2013 Racing Experience Days were hosted at Doncaster, Nottingham, Salisbury, Uttoxeter and Ffos Las racecourses. The intention is to hold eight Racing Experience Days in 2014 at venues yet to be confirmed.
The young people attending the Racing Experience Days are members of the Prince’s Trust’s xl programme. This programme is designed for young people aged 13 to 19 and its objective is to help them develop the skills and confidence needed to create a positive future outlook. The programme promotes a flexible approach, using relevant, experiential learning to support young people to achieve a range of personal and employability skills.
Martina Milburn, Prince’s Trust Chief Executive, said:
“We’re thrilled to be working with the British Horseracing Authority. The Racing Experience Days are such a unique experience for young people on the xl programme and a fantastic way for them to gain a valuable insight into the different employment opportunities that racecourses offer in their local communities.”
Robin Mounsey, Media Manager for the BHA, said:
“We are proud to be extending our relationship with the Prince’s Trust for the sixth year. The Racing Experience Days offer the young people insight into an industry that they may not have been aware of and showcases the wide range of job opportunities that the sport provides.
“We are grateful to the racecourses who kindly host the groups for the day and all of those who generously give up their time to talk to the young people about their roles and lives within the Racing industry. For 2014 we are increasing the number of Racing Experience Days and hope that the young people continue to benefit from them.”
