With the application window for the British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme open, one of the programme’s most high profile graduates prepares to return to the sport where he started out.
Ed Chamberlin, arguably the programme’s most high-profile graduate, will be ITV’s lead racing presenter when coverage commences on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham.
The programme has provided valuable training and development to over 400 graduates since its inception 26 years ago, with the 10-week programme helping to launch the careers of Ed Chamberlin and many successful, high profile figures in British racing, including Regional Director of The Jockey Club Racecourses, Amy Starkey and renowned bloodstock agent, Matt Coleman, a partner in Stroud Coleman Bloodstock.
An invaluable training and development platform for graduates and employers alike, the programme works as an entry point for graduates from all backgrounds hoping to start a career in racing, offering wide-ranging insight and ‘behind the scenes’ access to the workings of many of the industry’s different component parts.
Ed Chamberlin completed his placement at Ladbrokes in 1999, before spending 16 years at Sky Sports presenting Super Sunday and Monday Night football. He landed his dream job presenting horseracing with ITV earlier this year.
Ed Chamberlin said:
“The British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme gave me a perfect start to my career. It enabled me to combine my passion for sport and horseracing and this has led to me landing the leading presenter role on ITV Racing.”
Applications for the 2017 programme are currently open and close on 28 February, with people in their final year of university, or who have recently graduated with a degree, encouraged to apply. More information is available here.
Following the assessment process, 20 recruits will commence a two-week residential course in Newmarket during July, which includes field trips and seminars held by key figures in racing. The course explains how various aspects of the sport work together and gives an insight in to how the different organisations function within the industry. It aids the graduates’ professional development, but also provides the opportunity to build valuable professional relationships with people from across the sport to develop their own careers.
Graduates then begin an eight-week paid placement with one of the wide-ranging sponsors within the industry. In 2017, placement opportunities include roles with the British Horseracing Authority, Great British Racing, The Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Racecourse Association, Racing Post, Racing Welfare and Weatherbys, as well as a variety of posts at Jockey Club Racecourses.
