A-Z of Careers

Employed by the racecourse, an Advanced Flag Operator is responsible for making sure horses and riders stop racing in the event of a false start at the beginning of a race.

Working as part of the British Horseracing Authority Integrity Services team.  Responsible for investigating and researching betting activity, including betting exchanges to help pinpoint malpractice.

A Bloodstock Agent is responsible for purchasing horses for racing and breeding both privately and at a public auctions as well as providing advice to clients on mating for mares, pedigrees and racing plans.

The relationship with clients is important and a lot of time is spent keeping in touch with clients, following horses that have been purchased on the gallops, at the races and on stud farms.

There are a range of roles from on and off course bookmakers, in shops and online.  The Betting Industry is large with many opportunities.

From lavish receptions in private marquees to afternoon teas and everything in between, catering in the racing industry is big business. Waiting staff and chefs at all levels are always in demand.

Responsible for all matters relating to turf management and raceday preparation.  In conjunction with the racecourse manager you will also deal with race planning an aim to achieve an optimum fixture list.

Working as part of the British Horseracing Authority Raceday Officials team, the Clerk of the Scales is responsible for weighing jockeys before and after a race under the rules and regulations of racing.  They ensure that each Jockey is carrying the correct weight for that particular race and that they are wearing the correct silks and equipment.

The Equine Welfare Integrity Officer’s (EWIO’s) role encompasses both the Equine Welfare/Sampling Unit duties and the Stable Security/Integrity role.  The EWIO Team at each race meeting consists of a minimum of 3 people. The role of the EWIO is to ensure the required standards of equine welfare and integrity are maintained both in and around the Stable Yard.

They do this by checking and recording the accreditation of all those entering the stables. They also identify all of the horses when they arrive at the stables. This is done by scanning the horse’s individual microchip number and reconciling it against the list of the day’s runners.

They are then predominantly based in the Sampling Unit during racing, taking post race samples, packing and processing them to strict Standard operating procedures, which requires meticulous attention to detail.

Responsible for the safe, efficient and successful operation of all events on racedays and non racedays, liaising with clients, events team and hospitality.

You will be responsible for looking after the horses shoeing requirements.  Working regularly in trainers yards and at racecourses. Some trainers employ farriers as part of their team or you may be self employed, working for a number of yards and racecourses.

Responsible for purchase ledger, sales ledger, treasury etc.  Finance staff are employed at racecourses and other racing administration companies such as BHA, Weatherbys etc.

Managing financial and company secretarial matters.  Finance staff are employed at racecourses and other racing administrative companies such as BHA, Weatherbys etc.

Depending on its size a racecourse can have a Ground Team of between two and thirty people.  Working in all weathers and often during unsociable hours, you’ll ensure the track and all its rails and fences are in superb condition.

Want to find out more? Read our Groundsperson Case Study or see the Racecourse Groundstaff Course for further information about the training available and upcoming training dates.

In this pivotal role, you would need to have outstanding analytical skills to produce the handicap ratings for European Pattern and UK Handicap races.  These judgements help produce the kind of racing fields that allow an open betting market and help the racing industry thrive.

The Head Groundsperson is responsible for the maintenance of the racecourse grounds and the team of groundstaff.  They deal with general paperwork (wages/reports/schedules) along with any issues as they arise, which will also include non-racing events, building maintenance contracts, servicing and repairs.

Also known as Yard Manager, this role mainly involves taking charge of the Stable Staff team and ensuring the yard runs smoothly on a day to day basis. There is lots of responsibility and you will need good leadership skills for this role as you will oversee and support the work of the Racing Grooms.

To find out more about the work of a Head Racing Groom read the Case Study. If you are currently working as a Racing Groom and are keen to progress to the position of Head Racing Groom speak to your employer and consider attending a Yard Managers Course at the British Racing School in Newmarket or the Northern Racing College in Doncaster.

Working as part of the British Horseracing Authority Raceday Officials team.  You will advise racecourses on the safety and integrity requirements of the Authority to ensure their smooth and safe running.

Working as part of the British Horseracing Authority Officials team. Responsible for conducting a range of investigations that uphold the integrity of horseracing in the UK both on and off the racecourse.

A Jockey is a licensed individual who rides racehorses in races.

The first step in becoming a jockey is to complete the Apprenticeship in Racehorse Care, this will allow you to work full time at a Racehorse Trainer’s yard as a Racing Groom. If the Trainer thinks you are competent enough to become a Jockey he can apply for you to attend a Jockey Licence Course. Prior to attendance of a licence course, the applicant must pass a pre-assessment.

To learn more about becoming a Jockey, visit our Jockey Training section.

Jockey Agents are responsible for booking jockeys rides, advertising opportunities, liaising with the jockey and media for interviews and appearances. They are licensed by the British Horseracing Authority on a yearly basis.