BHA - Careers in Racing

Horse racing is a great place to work! British Racing is the second largest spectator sport, after football. With 59 racecourses throughout the UK, racing takes place all year round. We're talking about over 85,000 people in direct, indirect or associated employment of British Racing.

Why join us? Because we're diverse, exciting, youth-friendly and BIG.

We have so many careers you can explore.

It’s not just about who rides the horse and serves racecourse customers. The world of British racing has careers that match YOUR skills and interests, and we offer a LOT of support and development outreach and training to help young people find their path.

‘Diverse’ isn’t just a word. It’s a way of life.

Our community is a strong network of people of all backgrounds, and young people play a big part in all areas of racing. All you have to do is be yourself.

 

What career next steps can we offer you?

Step on Track is a free 1 week development programme for 16-19 year olds to help encourage and develop people from underrepresented groups in our sport. The week includes mini virtual lectures and workshops with ongoing careers support for young people interested in working in the industry.

Step on Track Programme
The British Horseracing Development Programme is for young people with degrees, Higher Apprenticeships, or equivalent skills and strengths. Explore admin, media, marketing, journalism, operations, sales or practical horse and racecourse-work in a full-time industry placement!

British Horseracing Development Programme
The Apprenticeship Course (Racing Option) is a great first step for anyone who wants to become a Racing Groom. You don’t need previous experience and if you’re 16-25 and live in the UK the training is free.

Apprenticeship (Racing)
The courses and training on offer cover everything from apprenticeships and racing staff academy training to industry qualifications. If you’re a young person looking to start out in the industry, take a look!

Courses and Training

What do our people say?

"Go for it! If you enjoy working outdoors and being around horses no job will give you the satisfaction or thrill like working in racing." Arvin Chadee | Godolphin Flying Start Trainee
"British Racing is a unique industry for sure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t apply skills learnt from other walks of life and have a successful, varied career in the industry." Saffy O’Keeffe | BHA Communications Assistant
“I love working in racing. I see on a daily basis how important this sport is to a large number of people as it is to myself.” Sean Simara | Careers Marketing & Recruitment Assistant

Careers in Racing - Something for Everyone

Did You Know?

The Careers in Racing team are on hand to give advice to anyone that wants to think about working in the sport. They provide a number of free courses year round including Experiential Days, Virtual Open Days and Development Programmes. They also do "Explore Racing" Days across the country at various Racecourses and Racing Colleges. These special events are a chance to explore the diverse range of career opportunities which racing presents, as well as being a great taster experience if you don't know much about the sport!

Which Career Path Do You Want To Explore?

Explore Career Map Still at School Aged 16-19 Aged 19+ Equine College Pony Racer Graduate

Racing career jobs and tips

Opportunity Finder