Just over a fortnight remains before the closing date for the 2004 British Horseracing Board Graduate Development Programme. Those interested in securing one of up to 18 places on this unique and highly acclaimed course must apply by 29th February.
The programme, now in its 14th year, begins with a two-week residential course in July at the British Racing School in Newmarket which includes presentations from senior executives from the racing and betting industries, and visits to the National Stud, Weatherbys, Newmarket Racecourse and other places of interest.
This fortnight is then followed by a paid eight-week placement at one of the sponsoring racing and betting industry organisations, who in 2004 are the British Horseracing Board, Coral, Darley Stud Management Co. Ltd, the Horserace Betting Levy Board, Horse Racing Ireland, the Jockey Club, Letheby and Christopher, the Press Association, the Racecourse Association, Racecourse Holdings Trust, RaceTech, the Racing Post, Tattersalls, the Tote, Weatherbys and William Hill.
The list of sponsors illustrates the breadth of potential career interests covered by the Programme and the very high-profile organisations who greatly value the scheme as a recognised entry point for talented graduates. The success of the Programme is reflected in the significant number of influential racing and betting positions which have been secured by those who have been on the course in the past.
The Programme is aimed at students in their penultimate or final year although applications will be considered from those who have recently completed their degree. In most cases the sponsor company does not mind what degree the applicant is studying as long as there is evidence of high academic achievement.
Applicants, who should have a serious interest in a career in the racing or betting industries, should send a CV (including A Level grades), the names of two referees (one character and one academic) and a full covering letter to BHB Graduate Development Programme, British Horseracing Board, 42 Portman Square, London, W1H 6EN, or by e-mail to [email protected] by the last day of February.
The letter should state, in no more than 500 words, the applicant’s interest in racing, the qualities they offer and what they would seek to gain from the Programme. Interviews take place in London, Doncaster and Ireland during April.
