Overview of industry and job roles

Job roles are varied - essentially there are opportunities for any calibre of student, from those looking for a practical role to those that have taken an academic route and are looking to enter the industry following A levels or a degree.

Key practical roles that involve looking after horses might be at racehorse training yards or breeding studs.  Previous experience, whilst desirable is not necessary for entry into either of the training schemes at the British Racing School, Northern Racing College or National Stud.

Further non office based roles are also available at racecourses, and would include such roles as Groundsman, hospitality, catering etc.

For graduates, and those that are interested in working in more of an office environment there are roles ranging from racing secretary to management roles at racecourses.

Facts and Figures

The racing industry supports significant levels of employment in many different sectors.

• The core of the industry sustaining over 18,600 full time jobs.
• The largest proportion  of employees are involved in the production and training of racehorses with over 9,500 full time and around 7,400 part time employees involved in this activity.
• There are 427 Full time jockeys and 592 licensed trainers of racehorses.

The racecourses employ over 1800 full time staff, with numerous additional staff employed on a raceday, for catering and betting functions.  Raceday employees equate to 2,500 full time equivalent jobs, with many thousands individuals employed at the 60 racecourses in any given year and in excess of 5,000 people working on course at the largest meetings.

See A-Z of careers for an overview of what is available.