RaceDay for schools

You have looked at a number of different of activities and operations that are undertaken in a professional training stable.

A job description sets out the purpose, key tasks and responsibilities of a job, and where the job fits into the organisation structure. You can find out more at: tutor2u.net/business/people/.
Stable jobs are also described at: www.careersinracing.com/html/careers_racing.htm

Use the template below to write a job description for at least one of these people who is likely to be involved in working in a stable with racehorses.

The Job: There can be few experiences more exhilarating than riding a horse worth hundreds of thousands of pounds in a race watched by millions. But of course, it takes a huge amount of work in a fiercely competitive environment to get that far. Most professional Jockeys begin as Stable Staff, where their talent for riding is noticed. The profession is split into Jump Jockeys and Flat Jockeys.

The Person: Commitment, dedication and very good riding and horsemanship skills are essential.

Entry Requirements: Jockeys are usually about 8 stone in weight on the flat, about 9 stone 7lbs over jumps, small in stature, extremely fit and in excellent health.

The Benefits: A riding fee and percentage of prize money. Some Jockeys also secure sponsorship deals.

Have a look at: www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm

The Job: It’s about a lot more than just training racehorses. You’ll basically be running the entire racing yard as a business enterprise as well as managing all the staff. In charge of the PR and marketing, you’ll liase closely with existing owners and attract new ones. You’ll also maintain and manage facilities, select new bloodstock, enter horses into races to maximise their prospects, run an office, and, of course, attend race meetings. Whether you’re self-employed or working for a company, you’ll also deal with employment issues from Health & Safety to wage agreements. There‘s endless hard work behind the apparent glamour of training. But achieving the dream of training a winner provides unparalleled satisfaction.

The Person: You’ll need to be an inspired leader, who's able to communicate clearly with everyone from owners to Stable Staff. You’re also a highly organised person who can juggle a range of tasks and has a flair for spotting real potential in horses.

Entry Requirements: You’ll need considerable experience in a training yard. (For example, you might be an Assistant Trainer with two years’ experience, or a professional Jockey with a pre-training yard.) You’ll also need to be fully aware of the British Horseracing Authority's Rules of Racing and Orders & Instructions.

In terms of qualifications, an NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management is essential. As is a Licence to train from the British Horseracing Authority. You will also be required to attend Trainer's courses at the British Racing School. Click here to find out more about training. When you apply for a Trainers Licence, the British Horseracing Authority will also expect to see a business plan which proves you have considerable demand for your services, leases or agreements for use of a yard, and a successful inspection report from the British Horseracing Authority. You’ll also need professional references and a financial statement that confirms you either have substantial working capital or overdraft.

Have a look at: www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm

The Job: You’ll work on behalf of the British Horseracing Authority, to implement all veterinary aspects of the rules of racing. Whether you’re checking the health of thoroughbred horses or testing for drug abuse, you’ll promote horse welfare and help upkeep the integrity of racing.

The Person: You'll need to be professional, calm under pressure and diplomatic in delicate situations

The Entry Requirements: You’ll need to be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon specialising in equine veterinary care.

The Benefits: In addition to a salary appropriate to the job, you’ll get 5 weeks’ holiday (including bank holidays).Other perks include a pension with a 10% company contribution (after a 3 month qualifying period), Life Assurance, Permanent Health Insurance and Private health care.

See: www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm

Use the template in the Word document to write a job description for at least one of the people who are likely to work in a stables.