Welcome to the Northern Racing College - Centre of Excellence for the Racing Industry

Careers in Horseracing

The UK Racing Industry is enjoying substantial growth with over 17,000 horses in training and over 650 licensed racehorse trainers' yards.

With over five million people visiting British racecourses each year and a large television audience, horseracing is the nation's second spectator sport. For over 100,000 people with a wide variety of skills, it is an industry in which they can earn their living. It is this heady mixture of sport and industry devoted to the noblest animal of all, the thoroughbred, that gives racing its appeal.

The horseracing and thoroughbred breeding industries are known collectively as the racing industry. Bookmakers and caterers apart, most businesses are small but, taken together, the industry is among the six largest in the country. While significant numbers of people work directly with horses, even more work to support racing.

It's about opportunities

If you want to work with horses, there has never been a better time to join the horseracing industry. Whoever you are, whether you have experience with horses or not, there are opportunities open now to help breed or race the best horses in the country with:

  • free training
  • openings for complete beginners
  • jobs on successful completion of initial training
  • Apprenticeship qualifications
  • earn while you learn

It's about breeding

The thoroughbred breeding industry already employes over 3,300 people across the country and produces 5,000 foals a year. You can enjoy:

  • the pleasure of working with top-class, valuable animals
  • the involvement of developing some of the best thoroughbreds in the world
  • the rewards of seeing a winner on the racecourse or a premium price in the sale ring

It's about racing

6,000 people in yards throughout the country are committed to training thousands of horses for the racing industry. After a course at The Northern Racing College in Doncaster, you can discover:

  • how to look after and exercise valuable horses
  • the thrill of taking your horse racing - and watching it win
  • opportunities to travel throughout the UK as well as abroad

It's about the future

Aim for a career in horseracing and you'll never look back. The training courses at the Northern Racing College are just the beginning of a life that offers travel, excitement and a future full of opportunity.

  • you can progress from a 'Foundation' NVQ level 1 course to an Apprenticeship and on to an Advanced Apprenticeship course
  • there are specialist courses for flat and jump jockeys, trainers and head grooms
  • on the racing side, you can progress to head groom, travelling head groom or trainer

For further information about the training available to those wanting to pursue a career in racing, contact the Northern Racing College on 01302 861000 , or click here to complete and submit an enquiry.

Career Opportunities

The preparation of a thoroughbred from conception to racecourse appearance depends on an extensive team within which everyone has a vital part to play. The positions available to those wishing to progress their career working directly with thoroughbreds are described in this section, starting with entry-level positions:

 

Racing

Stable staff

The stable staff provide the backbone of the industry and enjoy the perks of being in constant contact with the equine stars. Day-to-day duties of staff include routine but essential tasks such as mucking out stables, cleaning tack and sweeping the yard, grooming, and of course exercising thoroughbred racehorses.

Exercising can be achieved both on horseback and also from the ground. You might be surprised to hear that some stable staff have no desire to ride out. Horses can be exercised through the use of equine pools, treadmills and walkers as well as cantering and faster work. So it is not all about sitting aboard half a tonne of racehorse and thundering up the gallops, although for many this is a tremendous experience.

On a raceday staff will accompany their horses to the races. They will prepare their horse, perhaps by plaiting him and will take pride in leading him up in front of the public in the paddock. After the race the groom will lead in the horse to the unsaddling enclosure, perhaps even the winners’ enclosure and will care for the horse until it is time to leave the course and travel home.

Being a groom is tremendously rewarding and provides the opportunity to work with some valuable bloodstock. The opportunities to travel are also enormous. With increased experience, it is possible to attain positions of increased responsibility as detailed below.

Head groom

The responsibilities of a head groom are to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the yard, especially in the trainers’ absence, and to supervise the stable staff. Duties include feeding, checking horses for injury or illness, administering treatment if necessary, recognising when the vet is needed and overseeing the breaking in of the yearlings. Head grooms must be able to cope with pressure and tight schedules and have the ability to act calmly in an emergency.

Travelling head groom

Travelling head grooms accompany horses to race meetings, often driving the horsebox as well as being responsible for the horses and all the necessary equipment, racing colours, horse passports etc. They take responsibility for feeding and overall welfare of the travelling horses, along with supervising the horses’ regular staff who will accompany them. On non-racing days they will probably work alongside other stable staff, riding out etc.

Pupil assistant trainer

The pupil assistant will work under the guidance of the assistant trainer and trainer. He/she will usually be a competent rider who has progressed from being a member of the stable staff team. This role will normally be served for a period of two years after which the pupil assistant will move up to the more senior level of assistant trainer.

Assistant trainer

The assistant trainer is the trainer’s right-hand man. He/she will assist the trainer in planning race entries, assessing horses’ ability, completing racing documentation, public relations, recruiting and training stable staff, as well as frequently acting as his representative at the races. Assistant trainers are often working to gain the expertise needed to apply for their own trainer’s licence.

Trainer

The business of a trainer is much wider than just training racehorses. Other aspects include: entering horses in suitable races in order to achieve the best possible success for owners, attracting and retaining owners, purchase and selection of bloodstock, management and maintenance of facilities, marketing and PR, office management, racing documentation, attending race meetings and running a business enterprise.

Trainers secretary

A trainer’s secretary assists the trainer in the yard office. Duties generally include entering and declaring horses for races, completing racing documentation, keeping the accounts, dealing with staff wages and handling the day to day correspondence and telephone calls.

On some yards secretaries combine office duties with working in the yard and riding out.

A trainer’s secretary must have all the usual skills such as typing, word processing, computer skills and shorthand as well as a working knowledge of PAYE, bookkeeping and an understanding of the racing industry.

Apprentice (flat) jockey

An apprentice jockey is a full time paid employee of a licensed racehorse trainer. Before being granted a licence they must pass a course at the racing college. An apprenticeship is a yearly agreement between the apprentice and the trainer, based on shared financial responsibilities, with the apprentice still working as a member of the stable staff.

Apprentice jockeys usually weigh between 7 and 8 stone and are small in stature, extremely fit and in good health.

Conditional (jump) jockey

A conditional jockey is a full time paid employee of a licensed racehorse trainer. While a conditional jockey may be slightly heavier than an apprentice, he/she is subject to similar training requirements.

Conditional jockeys usually weigh between 9 and 10 stone and are extremely fit and in good health.

Amateur rider

Amateurs who wish to ride against other amateurs must obtain a Category ‘A’ Permit to ride from the Horseracing Regulatory Authority. While those wishing to ride against professional jump jockeys will need to have ridden in a sufficient number of races before applying for a Category ‘B’ Permit to ride.

Amateur riders can ride in flat races restricted to amateur riders and also national hunt races. Point-to-Point jockeys are all amateurs and will compete in jump races organised by the Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association.

Jockeys need to be dedicated. Very good riding and horsemanship skills are desirable. Licences are renewed on an annual basis. All jockeys must pass a rigorous medical examination.

Stud Work

Stud hand

A stud hand will be responsible for the care of several mares. Daily duties include general handling of mares and foals. This involves turning them out, fetching them in, holding them for teasing, covering, veterinary inspection, farriery and presenting them to owners and clients. Stud staff may be required to work at the bloodstock sales after the breeding season.

Stallion handler

A stallion handler is responsible for looking after stallions. They are only employed on Public Studs and need to be calm, dedicated and willing to work seven days a week during the breeding season. They have nearly always gained considerable experience as stud hands, with time spent as assistants in a stallion unit, before displaying the dedication and ability to be promoted to stallion handlers.

Assistant stud groom

An assistant stud groom assists the stud groom with the day to day efficient running of the stud, assuming responsibility in their absence.

Stud groom

A stud groom is second in command to the stud manager and is likely to have many additional responsibilities to those of an assistant stud groom. These include the care and welfare of the horses, all breeding activities and liaison with vets, owners, staff and farriers. A stud groom needs to have in-depth knowledge of horses, the breeding industry and pasture management, as well as having up-to-date knowledge of all available modern technology.

Stud manager

The stud manager has ultimate responsibility for the horses and for the promotion and marketing of a stud. Opportunities to become a stud manager are limited as years of experience and expertise are required and normally a stud will have only one manager, frequently the owner. The position is largely administrative and office based as duties include liasing with owners, overseeing accounts and cash flow, selection and purchase of bloodstock and, along with the stud groom, responsibility for stud personnel.

Stud secretary

A stud secretary will possess strong secretarial skills and will have an understanding of stud documentation and procedures. Basic accounting and book-keeping are also an advantage, as is knowledge of employment law.

On a day to day basis a stud secretary will liase with racehorse owners, answer enquiries and maintain records.

Bloodstock agent

A bloodstock agent’s job covers a wide variety of duties and services. Primarily a bloodstock agent buys horses at sales or privately on behalf of individual owners or trainers who aim to breed from or race them in Great Britain or abroad. Many agents also manage owners’ bloodstock affairs, including not only racing aspects but also breeding and the sale of shares and nominations. They are often involved in the transportation and insurance of bloodstock. Most bloodstock agents are self-employed and work on commission.

Shipping agent

Racehorses travel extensively both in the U.K. and abroad. It is not uncommon for a horse to travel to Europe, North America, UAE, Hong Kong, Japan and South East Asia.

Shipping agents deal directly with the major airlines and provide a first class road transport service throughout Europe. They also take care of government health papers, customs documents, transit stabling, stud book registration and ferry booking services. An agency will be made up of office staff and grooms. Grooms will be experienced handlers who are familiar with racehorses and who can think on their feet.

Sales company executive

Sales companies that specialise in the sale of Thoroughbreds need a range of PR and marketing experts, who develop a real buzz around the sale of a horse. The companies also need auctioneers to both grade and then sell the horses.

The PR and marketing roles require someone who is credible, persuasive and articulate. An auctioneer has a natural talent for judging horses, real salesmanship, attention to detail and a great deal of personal presence.

PR or marketing experience are a prerequisite for the generalist sales roles, plus a good knowledge of the thoroughbred market. An auctioneer needs to have a huge wealth of knowledge about horses, both from a practical and pedigree point of view. Experience both in training yards and in studs is recommended before approaching sales companies regarding this position.

Pedigree researcher

Several bloodstock agencies employ people with the skills that enable them to research bloodlines. Weatherbys bloodstock services has a team of experienced and knowledgeable people who research and edit the pedigrees for all the thoroughbreds sold at auction by the major sales companies in Great Britain and Ireland. They also provide a similar service to Saudi Arabia and the German BBAG auction house.

A pedigree researcher would provide a bloodstock agent with the information necessary for the agent to advise clients about mating plans and purchases.

Racecourse manager

A racecourse manager will manage every aspect of a thriving racecourse. This is a challenging and varied position.

On a raceday the racecourse manager will be in overall charge, dealing with everyone from racegoers, owners and the press to bookmakers, caterers and jockeys.

A racecourse manager will produce successful marketing and business plans as well as oversee health and safety, maintenance, deal with accounts and capital projects and lead a big team of hugely diverse staff.

Many racecourse managers have degrees. All have management experience.

Groundstaff

Groundstaff are responsible for ensuring the track and all its rails and fences are in superb condition.

This job involves being outdoors and often working unsociable hours.

Administrative Staff

The administrative staff on a racecourse will oversee all the general admin and marketing and will provide secretarial support. The role includes communicating with everyone from owners to first-time racegoers.

Racecourse safety officer

Each racecourse has a security officer to ensure that the police, security team and managing executive are in control and in contact. Race meetings attract thousands of people – often in very high spirits - so it is vital that someone takes responsibility.

Clerk of the scales

This is a vital role, which plays a big part in upholding the integrity of the sport. Working in the weighing room the clerk of the scales makes sure all the rules and requirements of racing are being strictly adhered to. Before and after each race the clerk of the scales will ensure the jockeys’ are carrying the allocated weight for each mount.

The clerk of the scales is at the heart of the communications network on the course and will provide information to racegoers and people in the industry.

Judge

The judge is responsible for announcing the placings in each race. He/she will also analyse the photo finish and announce the winners on the public address system. It is imperative that the judge provides a true record of every race.

This job requires a superb level of concentration and the ability to take accurate decisions under pressure.

Starter

The starter is responsible for ensuring all goes smoothly - and fairly - at the start of the race. The race must start on time. The starter is in charge of all jockeys’, horses and racecourse personnel and is responsible for reporting wayward jockeys’ to the stewards. Records of everything from withdrawn horses to starting times must be accurately kept.

Stewards’ secretary

A stewards’ secretary will travel extensively and on a raceday will work closely with local stewards’ and the racecourse management ensuring everything goes like clockwork.

Inspector of courses

Inspectors of courses are responsible for making sure that racecourses are as safe as humanly possible for both horse and rider. As an official of the Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) an inspector liases closely with racecourses, ensuring they’re complying with all safety and integrity rules when it comes to racing surfaces.

At the start of each season inspectors visit each racecourse to ensure that everything from fences to racing surfaces, hurdles to stables comply with the HRA instructions.

Racing investigating officer

A racing investigating officer works as part of the field force, conducting a range of investigations that uphold the integrity of horseracing. This involves enquiries on behalf of the Licensing Committee. It’s a varied job for someone with an enquiring mind.

Stable guard

On a raceday the stable guard is responsible for ensuring that horses are not tampered with whilst they are inside the secure stable complex.

Stable guards record all admissions, patrol the yard and monitor CCTV.

Stable inspecting officer

Stable inspecting officers ensure that facilities at training yards throughout the U.K. are safe, secure and promote the welfare of the horses. The stables and tackroom through to the staff are checked. Expertise in health and safety are vital to perform this role as is an experienced equestrian background.

Betting investigator/analyst

A betting investigator looks into and researches the betting exchanges to help pinpoint malpractice. This is achieved by monitoring market movements and developing investigative leads.

Weighing room security officer

Weighing room security officers are responsible for ensuring the highest level of security in the weighing room. They direct the team, control access to the weighing room and report infringements of the rules.

Clerical administrator

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) employ clerical administrators whose job it is to field enquiries, send out information and type up vital reports.

Personal assistant

Personal assistant’s support directors and managers within the British Horseracing Authority making sure their office runs like clockwork. This could include arranging travel to international racecourses, organising meetings, taking minutes or preparing detailed itineraries.

Racing operations operator

Weatherbys Ltd. is responsible for the racing work under contract to the British Horseracing Authority. It is also responsible for the thoroughbred breeding registry. Day to day work will include handling entries and declarations for races via the telephone, ensuring 100% accuracy.

Racing administrations assistant

This role includes processing all registrations of ownership, colours, horse’s names and horses in training. Upon receipt of entries and declarations the racing administrations assistant will allocate weights to be carried and hold the central file of handicap ratings.

Editorial administrator

The racing calendar details full and finalised race conditions three weeks in advance of racing. Each edition covers one weeks worth of racing and is published weekly. The editorial administrator is responsible for ensuring the calendar and quarterly programme book are produced on time and to the highest levels of accuracy.

Handicappers

A handicapper produces the handicap ratings for European pattern and UK handicap races. The role involves studying the form and selecting horses for international races. Handicappers liase closely with trainers and the media. The handicapper is responsible for ensuring that all horses running in a handicap race have an equal chance of winning. The highest rated horse carries the most weight with the lowest rated carrying the least weight.

Racing journalist

A racing journalist has a varied job. One day it might involve reporting from the race track whilst another could include writing about changes in the industry or interviewing some of racing’s colourful personalities.

A real knowledge and passion for racing is a big advantage.

Bookmakers

Bookmaking is a huge industry, with some 8,000 off-course bookmakers in the U.K. that take bets in the shop, over the phone and increasingly, on-line. There are a range of roles from managers and settlers to counter staff. In addition there are a number of on-course bookies.

Like any industry, racing is only as good as the people who work in it. For the well-motivated and committed, racing provides an excellent career and boundless opportunities.

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