About The Industry

British Horseracing is a nationwide sport, with 60 racecourses spread across Great Britain. The sport is also a major employer, providing full time work for over 17,000 people. The horseracing industry offers a variety of job roles, from practical roles working with horses, to more academic roles such as management positions at racecourses. To find out more about the various careers in horseracing visit the A-Z Careers page.

Racing Together is British racing’s community engagement activity. It was formed to coordinate, support, represent and measure the varied work that takes place across the industry and that involves a range of charitable and commercial organisations. Racing Together’s vision is for the sport to be known as a ‘force for good’ by helping the communities in which it operates.

British Horseracing employs over 6,500 people to provide constant care and attention to the 14,000 horses in training. Since the year 2000, British Racing has invested £32 million in veterinary research and education as well as running a dedicated campaign, The Horse Comes First, to raise awareness of the high levels of equine welfare in the sport, find out more about the campaign below.

For those in the practical side of the industry working for a Racehorse Trainer they will be protected by many of the agreements that are in place by way of the trainer licensing. The staff union National Association of Racing Staff is key in supporting stable staff in the industry and work closely with the employers National Trainers Federation to agree terms.

Racing Welfare is the Jockey Club's charity. They are an organisation which offer professional guidance and practical help to the stud, stable and support staff whose dedication is vital for the well-being of racing. Their work aims to help people, from recruitment to retirement.

Since the start of the 2013/2014 academic year, all young people are now required to continue in education or training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 or their 18th birthday. By undertaking a course at one of racing's training providers this government requirement is met. To find out more about this visit the Parents Zone.

An apprenticeship gives you hands on experience, a salary and the opportunity to gain qualifications while you work. Employers can benefit from Apprenticeships as much as the young people doing them can. Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, young people can gain government funding for the cost of their Apprenticeship.

The Careers Advice and Training Service (CATS), run by Racing Welfare, is open to anyone who works or has worked in the racing industry. The service offers career coaching for those who wish to develop or progress their career within the wider British horseracing industry.

The National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) is the independent certified trade union representing Stable Staff employed by licensed Racehorse Trainers. NARS is committed to improving pay, conditions of service and the overall employment position of Stable Staff.