HE careers day promotes opportunities in horseracing

Many of our equine science undergraduates are considering careers in horseracing following a successful HE information event focused on the industry.

After hearing about the variety of well paid and rewarding jobs which are available, 72% of students said that they would definitely think more about entering the industry.

The careers day was held in our dedicated HE faculty in partnership with Cheshire Racing Hub, which promotes horseracing as a career among school and college students. The event was aimed at illustrating the less recognised jobs such as marketing, media and office administration as well as more familiar race riding, grooming, veterinary research and breeding.

Opportunities for global travel were emphasised, along with the industry’s  well regulated standards of employment which include sickness and holiday benefits and bonuses.

Gillian Carlisle, Chief Executive, The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, told the audience: “The British Racing industry embraces young people. There are so many opportunities all over the world, so make sure you make the most of work experience and go somewhere exciting. Make sure you have transferable skills and above all be passionate about what you do.”

Other Inspirational speakers included Tallulah Lewis, Executive of The Thoroughbred Club, Samantha Trainer, a roving assessor for the Northern Racing College and Elisha Whittington, a work jockey at Manor House Stables, Michael Owen’s racing yard in Cheshire.

BSc Equine Science undergraduates Krystina Whitmore and Emily Cockerill spoke enthusiastically of their experiences while working in the racing industry and of the buzz of race days, and jockeys from Oliver Greenall Racing, Malpas, gave a ridden demonstration and commentary in Reaseheath’s indoor arena.

Said Dr Jan Birch, HE Equine Programme Leader: “The racing careers day was a resounding success. The students really enjoyed it and the pre and post event questionnaires revealed that the number  who would consider a career in the racing industry had risen from 30% to 72%!”

Reaseheath College, a leader in equine education, is for the first time offering a bespoke racing module within its equine courses which has been taken up by over 40  students.

For further details of Reaseheath’s equine degrees see www.reaseheath.ac.uk /higher-education/courses/equine

Header caption: Speakers and students at the HE Horseracing Careers Day