Pay, Pensions and Prospects

The racing industry is diverse in the types and levels of roles available and as such the salaries are across a huge range.  

If your child is entering the industry on the administration side - perhaps as a graduate - you should expect them to be paid competitively with other industries.

For those that are starting out in the practical side of the industry working with horses in the Racehorse Training environment they will be protected by many of the agreements that are in place by way of the trainer licensing.  This offers them a great deal of protection, and in that respect potential a better working environment that the other equestrian disciplines.

The staff union National Association of Stable Staff is key in supporting stable staff in the industry and work closely with the employers National Trainers Federation to agree terms.  Some of the key aspects of employment that they discuss are:

• Wages and Conditions

The Agreement provides for a Racing Industry Minimum Rates of Pay Structure and certain standard conditions of employment for stable staff employed by trainers in the racing industry. Further details and current rates of pay can be found on the National Association of Stable Staff website.

• Pool Money

This is essentially the distribution of a share of a percentage of the prize money won by a horse in the yard.  The stable staff in the yard agree how they want this to be fairly distributed.  The payment of pool money by the trainer to the staff is governed by the Orders and Rules of Racing.  Non compliance is a breach of the rules which could result in disciplinary action by the British Horseracing Authority, hence staff are protected.

• Pension

Under the Rules of Racing trainers have to contribute to a pension scheme for eligible employees. 

• The Racing Industry Accident Benefit Scheme (RIABS)

RIABS is funded by licensed and permitted trainers and by contributions from stable staff. The scheme provides for benefits to eligible persons following accidental injury, disablement or death arising out of, whilst carrying out duties for a licensed trainer, including bona fide journeys between normal place of residence and place of work. The scheme does not cover race riding accidents or accidents, which occur while on, or travelling to and from a racecourse when engaged to ride.

The Breeding industry, whilst not regulated in the same way under license, also looks to provide excellent employment practices.  The Thoroughbred Breeders Association is the only official body representing Thoroughbred Breeders in Great Britain and further details on employment can be found on their website.

The Welfare support in the industry is second to none and by having such a strong racing community goes towards creating a safe and supporting working environment.