Applications for the 2022 British Horseracing Development Programme are now open.The programme, now in its 32nd year and previously known as the British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme, provides an invaluable source of talent to the sport and its supporting industry.The 2022 Programme comes as the BHA’s Careers In Racing platform celebrates its 15th anniversary, a milestone marked with the creation of an infographic showreel, which can be viewed below:
More than 450 people have completed the programme and the majority have established careers in British Horseracing in a wide range of roles, including management positions at racecourses, bookmakers, the trade press, trainers’ yards, studs, bloodstock sales and also at the British Horseracing Authority.Having been rebranded as the British Horseracing Development Programme, the programme is now an early careers opportunity suitable for candidates with Degrees, Higher Apprenticeships or equivalent skills and capabilities, opening up the world of Horseracing to an even wider pool of talent.Of the 17 participants to be enrolled in the 2021 programme, two were non-degree participants, including Molly King, who took part in a placement with the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association en route to a position with ThoroughBid. Molly was joined on the Development Programme by Mihir Gurjar, whose placement was with Rewards4Racing.Michelle Douglas, BHA Careers Marketing & Recruitment Advisor, said: “The British Horseracing Development Programme has a long and proud track record of attracting talent to the industry and we are delighted that so many people working in the sport were given the opportunity to do so by the programme.“We hear so often from the programme’s alumni from down the years about the impact the Development Programme has had not only on their careers but their lives, with lasting friendships forged and unforgettable experiences enjoyed. We are looking forward to another memorable year in 2022.”Molly King said: “I found the Development Programme very interesting and insightful. It gave me the leg up I needed to be considered for exciting roles within the industry. I thoroughly enjoyed my industry placement with the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and that has led nicely into my new role at ThoroughBid.”Mihir Gurjar said: “During the two‐week training programme, I was introduced to a wide array of sectors within the horseracing industry, and many wonderful people who made me feel right at home. In my following eight-week placement, I was eased into my duties and responsibilities and given the opportunity to make a real impact.“The British Horseracing Development Programme aims to make horseracing a truly inclusive and diverse sport and my experience shows that they are headed in the right direction. Having a background within the industry certainly helps, but it isn’t a necessity as I found out and one can get along just fine.”Notes to editors:1. For more information, and to apply to the British Horseracing Development Programme, please visit https://www.careersinracing.com/course/development-programme/.2. To view the Careers In Racing 15th Anniversary showreel, click here.
