Trainers Courses
The Trainers Courses consist of three modules, with each taking place over four/five days.
- Module 1: Racehorse Management (To be eligible to attend this course applicants must have achieved an NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management. Applicants are advised to contact the Northern Racing College (01302 861000) to register for the NVQ Level 3 well in advance of attendance on Module 1.
- Module 2: Business Skills
- Module 3: Staff Management
The above courses are made up of a series of seminars, which are delivered by specialist racing consultants, who each have extensive working knowledge of the horseracing industry.
The aim of the courses is to prepare those individuals who are on the verge of applying for a Licence to Train, rather than to teach the art of training racehorses.
These courses are part of the criteria for a Licence to Train, which is set by the Licensing Committee of the British Horseracing Authority. The Committee will make the decision on whether a Licence application will be granted. It should be noted that completing the mandatory training programme will not confer automatic right to a Licence.
The criteria, which must be met in order to have an Application for a Trainer's Licence considered by the Licensing Committee, are:
- Either, several years experience in training establishments including a minimum of 2 years in a responsible and senior position preferably as an Assistant Trainer in a successful racing yard;
- Or, a successful track record as a Permit holder [see below] including at least 3 or 4 wins with a spread of horses;
- Or, a successful track record running a Point to Point yard including a minimum of 10 Point to Point / Hunter Chase wins with a spread of horses.
- Attainment of NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management.
- Attendance on and successful completion of three one week courses at the Northern Racing College: Racehorse Management (held at the British Racing School), Business Skills, Staff Management
- Attendance at a one day seminar at Weatherbys.
A potential trainer's application should be supported by references, a business plan, leases or agreements for use of the yard and facilities, a successful inspection report of the yard and facilities by the British Horseracing Authority, a financial reference to confirm substantial working capital or overdraft facilities. A licence will normally only be granted to applicants with at least 3 horses in training.
If the Licensing Committee are satisfied that the applicant meets the relevant criteria, it will then invite the applicant for an interview where he/she would be expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of racehorses and racing, along with the leadership and management skills required to run a successful business, and an understanding of the Orders and Rules of Racing.
Full details regarding the course criteria and licence application forms can be found at the British Horseracing Authority's website www.britishhorseracing.com
For applicants wishing to apply for a Permit to Train, attendance is only required on Module 1 of the Trainers Modules under the British Horseracing Authority's current criteria.
A Permit to Train entitles the holder to train horses for Steeple Chases, Hurdle races and National Hunt Flat races which are the sole property of himself, his spouse, parents, sons, daughters, brothers or sisters. A permit trainer should be a genuine amateur for whom the training of racehorses is a pastime and not a money-making enterprise.
Similarly to a full licence holder, a potential permit holder should have attained NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management and attended the seminar at Weatherbys.
Additionally, the Licensing Committee would expect an applicant to fulfil the guidelines listed below:
- must own, or be able to use, gallops within a reasonable hacking distance of his/her yard
- must have worked for a licensed trainer or trained point to pointers
- must have supporting references
- horses should have some proven form in Point to Points or under Rules
Once these criteria have been established, the applicant will be interviewed and his yard inspected by the British Horseracing Authority's Security Department. Providing all is satisfactory, a permit to train may be granted.
2010 Course Dates
Module 1: Racehorse Management
8th - 12th November, 2010
Module 2: Business Skills
10th - 13th May, 2010
Module 3: Staff Management
12th - 15th July, 2010
Cost
The cost of each module is:
£750.00 (inc VAT) - tuition, course literature, lunch and refreshments (No accommodation).
Due to the close proximity to Doncaster Racecourse and Doncaster Bloodstock Sales accommodation is in plentiful supply. Details of hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses will be supplied by the College.
To discuss the modules in greater detail please contact Sarah Beattie on 01302 861000
To request further information and an application form please click here
To download an application form please click here
For further information on the Licence Application please contact:
Annette Baker
Licensing Department
British Horseracing Authority
75 High Holborn
LONDON
WC1V 6LS
Tel: 0207 189 3843
Email: abaker@britishhorseracing.com
