RaceDay for schools

Careers info

As you have learnt, racehorse ownership is a hobby rather than a career, and prize money isn’t generally considered the reason for owning a racehorse. However, many people are involved in helping others achieve their dreams of owning a racehorse.

There are studs, who breed the racehorses, and stud hands, who look after them. It’s hard work, with long hours – especially in the breeding season, when mares are likely to foal at night. But you’ll be working in the fresh air and you’ll experience the thrill of the foaling season and the excitement of the bloodstock sales, where up to 2,500 horses can be gathered at a time for buying and selling.

To get started in the industry, you can train for an NVQ 2 in Racehorse Care (breeding option). It’s free if you’re an EU citizen aged between 16 and 25. Much of the course consists of hands-on work at a stud farm. You can go on to develop your career from here.

As well as the studs who breed racehorses, there are the bloodstock agents who help owners choose the right type of racehorse to buy for the particular races that they want to compete in. The auctioneers sell the racehorses. Racehorse trainers get the horses fit and prepare them to go to the racecourse in winning form.