The Gentleman Magazine Issue 7 | February 2018 | Page 76
TRAINING COURSE TO RECRUIT MORE RACING STAFF
GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH FOR 2018
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.
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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.”
, Security in Motion”