Discover horse racing

Have you heard of the Cheltenham Festival or maybe The Derby? If you have, then you have heard of the horseracing industry! 

Many grooms work in the general/competition side of the equestrian industry, and have not considered changing over to working in horseracing.

There is a whole new world of job opportunities out there for you, which you can discover at careersinracing.com

Whether you are just starting out on your career as a groom, or you are experienced and fancy a change, the horseracing industry is ready and equipped to welcome you. 

Hear from Megan about how she made the change to racing: 

about horseracing

There are 3 key elements of the horseracing industry:

• Flat racing
• Jump racing
• Breeding of thoroughbred racehorses. 

As with the general/competition side of the industry, the yards can be of varying sizes, from small family set-ups to large 100+ horse operations.

Just the same as on a competition yard, the racehorses will each have their own training program from being broken in, through to racing at the highest level possible.

It is essentially just the same as what you might be used to, just a different form of equitation.

Prize money is much greater, and due to TV rights and greater public attendance at the racecourses, the sponsorship is more valuable.

Some of the profits are put back into the industry via the Levy Board. 

Some fAQs

How is racing different from eventing?

What is it like to work in a racing yard?

Do you need racing experience?

Can I work in racing if I don't want to ride 

Who is who 

The horse racing industry is well organised, and there are many organisations that are responsible for the different activities:

GETTING INTO RACING

Discover all about the careers that are on offer in racing and visit the Job Board to find a job in the racing sector.

SUPPORTing you

An independent trade union representing all racing staff. It negotiates wages and conditions, deals with problems or complaints that racing grooms have with their workplace and represents them in cases of dispute.

The charity gives confidential advice and guidance on a wide range of issues, including accidents, money, health, careers, relationships, housing and retirement. You can live chat or email a question via the Racing Welfare website.

TRAINING

A centre of excellence delivering a wide range of courses that specifically cater for people who are looking at horseracing as a future career and for those who are currently working in the industry, wishing to develop their qualifications and skills. 

A well-established work-based training provider, delivering high-quality racing apprenticeships throughout England and Wales. Apprenticeships are entirely yard-based, and a designated Trainer-Coach closely oversees each student's training to ensure their path to success. 
 

A centre of excellence providing a range of training and courses to meet the needs of the racing industry and its learners. The School provides a residential foundation-level course for 16- 24-year-olds, after which students get apprenticeship places in racehorse trainers’ yards across the UK. 

Much of the training is fully funded, and the Stud's courses cater for the novice looking to be the next generation of stud staff to the more experienced members of the current workforce who want additional skills or updating.