CAREERS

Trainer

What is a Trainer?

A Racehorse Trainer is one of the top positions in a Horse Racing Yard

Trainers are responsible for overseeing the operations of the entire yard. They are in charge of training the horses, but also running the business side, including looking after staffing and finance, and ensuring legal compliance.

Your days are often long and always varied – typically you’ll be at the yard early, watching all the horses being ridden and deciding what work they will be doing that day. Owners may come in to view their horses who you would take on the gallops with you.

You also need to liaise with the racing secretary to make sure all the horses are declared to run in races. Afternoons are often spent at the races watching your horses run, and then catching up with the horses’ owners and your other racing connections.

What it Takes

You will need many years of experience in the industry to become a Trainer

Often Trainers will have previously spent time as Assistant Trainers for several years, or may have been a professional jockey. A Level 3 Apprenticeship Senior Equine Groom (Racing) (formally the Level 3 Diploma Advanced Apprenticeship) is essential, and you’ll need to complete the Trainers Courses at British Racing School.

You will also require a Licence to train from the British Horseracing Authority. To gain this Trainer’s Licence, you will need to provide the BHA with your business plan, professional references and a financial statement that proves you either have substantial working capital or overdraft.

Benefits

The job has many benefits, including a good salary and the chance to be your own boss

Job satisfaction comes with winning races, and seeing horses and jockeys you have nurtured from the beginning fulfilling their potential. And, of course, you get to work with horses every day!

Name Jack Barber

From Somerset

How did you get into racing?

Through my family – I started with pony racing and once I had left school I went to work for Paul Nicholls for four years as Stable Staff and progressed to becoming an amateur Point-to-Point jockey. I then became a freelance Amateur jockey riding out for various West Country based trainers before I started training pointers myself.

What training have you done?

I completed a Foundation Course at the BRS and then my Cat B Jockey course plus the three one week Trainers Modules required to get my licence.

Do you have a further career ambition?

My ambition was to get my licence and trainer under rules.

Why do you enjoy your job?

You have the highs that you dream for with the horses running well and happy owners. Nurturing a young horse to be a success on the track takes patience and is massively rewarding when you achieve it.

Courses

Management

Introduction to Management

Four days over 12 weeks £1200

Experience Level:

No experience required

This course is aimed at those working in the racing industry in a management position. It will build on current skills and knowledge to improve candidates performance and prospects of career improvement.

Course Dates

This is a course at The British Racing School
  • 09/04/2020 - 09/04/2020
  • 14/05/2020 - 14/05/2020
  • 11/06/2020 - 11/06/2020
  • 16/07/2020 - 16/07/2020

Diploma Courses

Level 3 Diploma in Administration and Organisation of Horse Racing

Open £300

Experience Level:

No experience required

The level 3 Diploma in Administration and Organisation of Horseracing is designed for those who already are, or are looking to work, in the racing industry on the administration side.

Course Dates

This is a course at The British Racing School

Management

MANAGEMENT ACADEMY

Eight Months £4800

Experience Level:

Advanced

The Academy provides meaningful, results driven management development, specific to the racing industry. This programme will suit those who aspire to senior roles within your organisation or those who wish to become more effective in their current role.

Course Dates

Training at the British Racing School
  • 07/04/2020 - 08/04/2020
  • 12/05/2020 - 13/05/2020
  • 09/06/2020 - 10/06/2020
  • 14/07/2020 - 15/07/2020
  • 25/08/2020 - 26/08/2020
  • 22/09/2020 - 23/09/2020
  • 20/10/2020 - 21/10/2020

Trainers

Trainers Module 1 – Racehorse Management

5 days £810

Experience Level:

Experienced

The Trainers Course consists of three modules which you need to undertake in order to apply to the BHA for a Trainer’s Licence, you can do them in any order.

Course Dates

A course at The British Racing School
  • 08/02/2021 - 12/02/2021
  • 18/10/2021 - 22/10/2021

Trainers

Trainers Module 2 – Business Management

Five Days £810

Experience Level:

Experienced

The Trainers Course consists of three modules which you need to undertake in order to apply to the BHA for a Trainer’s Licence, you can take the modules in any order.

Course Dates

A course at The British Racing School
  • 08/11/2021 - 12/11/2021

Trainers

Trainers Module 3 – Staff Management

Four Days £810

Experience Level:

Experienced

The Trainers Course consists of three modules which you need to undertake in order to apply to the BHA for a Trainer’s Licence, you can take these Modules in any order.

Course Dates

A course at The British Racing School
  • 06/12/2021 - 10/12/2021