Celebrating 40 years of The British Racing School

1983–2023

It gives me enormous pleasure to introduce this celebratory brochure, which marks the 40th anniversary of the British Racing School. Since its inception, the School has provided training for such a wide range of people, be it work riders, jockeys, trainers, racing secretaries, yard staff or management in the racing industry. The young people on our Foundation Courses continue to be at the core of what we offer. However, the School has continued to evolve, using its capabilities to support programmes such as The Flexible Learning Programme, The Riding a Dream Academy, the Newmarket

Pony Academy and the Racing Media Academy, thereby ensuring that the racing industry draws on new talent and plays a key role in our engagement with the community. We are so grateful for the dedication of our team at the BRS, for the commitment of our trainees, for the engagement of the training community and the support of our many stakeholders and funders. To you all, I offer my sincere thanks.

Julia Budd, Chair of Trustees

It is a huge honour to be contributing to this brochure marking the British

Racing School’s 40th anniversary. I must start by thanking all those who have worked tirelessly over many years to make the BRS the success it is today. It has been a privilege during my nine years here to work with so many talented and hardworking people, who share my vision for the School and the people we develop. I am looking forward to continuing to improve and expand on the brilliant work already being done.

My love for racing and racehorses – in particular my passion for riding them - is what initially brought me to the

BRS. Having given me so much joy, I get the pleasure of now seeing young people experience the same fulfilment and sense of achievement as they work with these wonderful animals and take their first steps to a career in this magnificent sport.

The BRS has always been about improvement, both for those we train and for us as an organisation, and I am determined that the focus on continual improvement remains central to all we do. The next 40 years will therefore be about listening to those we train, and those they go on to work for, thereby

Julia Budd, Chair of Trustees, The British Racing School.

Andrew Braithwaite, Chief Executive, The British Racing School, with ‘Deviation’.

maintaining our reputation as a worldclass training centre for excellence. Aligned to this is a desire to expand the training we offer and provide greater support for those already working in the sport, to ensure that as a collective we make the most of the talent already in the sport and retain that talent for as long as possible.

We will also continue in our determination to make the sport of British horseracing a better reflection of our diverse society. As a gateway to the industry, we have an important role to play in this area. Having welcomed four girls and a young person from an ethnic minority background on our first ever course in 1983, we have always been a welcoming place where anyone with a dedication and passion for working with horses can succeed, regardless of their background or experience. But there is always more we can do. Our partnership with the Riding A Dream Academy is only one example of our proactive commitment to this vision. We are now implementing a series of pathways to further increase accessibility and are working in multiple partnerships to ensure the opportunity is there for young people most in need. The world we inhabit today is very different to the one in which the BRS was founded. As an organisation, we are wholeheartedly committed to our Environmental Sustainability strategy which we officially launch this year, and to reaching our net zero target. This is not just because it’s ‘the right thing to do’ but because we need to safeguard our planet for the future generations that we, as a School, invest so heavily in; to give them a healthy place to

live in and to protect the future of our sport. Our actions start this year with an education module on sustainability within racing, which is accessible to all within the industry. Funded by the Racing Foundation, this project will see us using our unique position as educators being utilised for the benefit of everyone. As Sir David Attenborough says, “our planet is small, isolated and vulnerable…it is the only place we have… and it is uniquely precious.”

I will conclude by thanking all those that we have trained and will train in the future. It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of so many by helping them improve their skills, empowering them to achieve their potential, and harness the opportunities that they deserve. Our trainees are, and will always be, a constant source of inspiration.

Andrew Braithwaite, Chief Executive

Before I became a Trustee of the BRS, my knowledge of the School was rather cloudy. However, after a few Trustee meetings and tours of the site, I soon began to realise what a golden secret was hidden behind the fence in Snailwell Road. In 2011 on the retirement of Nigel Elwes, I took over as chairman, a role I held for 10 years, until I myself stood down in 2021. I count myself lucky to have been able to continue my involvement with the School as its Patron.

Under the guidance of Rory MacDonald, Grant Harris and Andrew Braithwaite, the BRS has evolved and I think it’s fair to say, now caters fully for the needs of young people in the 2020s. There are

still rules to be obeyed, procedures to follow, restrictions to be recognised; but the trainees are more appreciated and encouraged as individuals, each with their own particular skills and challenges. These skills are nurtured by fantastic instructors so that each young person achieves their individual aspirations.

I try and follow a Foundation Course each year which provides me with a greater insight into the lives of the trainees during their time at the School and ability to watch them develop, not just as riders but as people. When I talk to parents at graduation ceremonies and hear how their child has become a more confident and positive person since arriving at the BRS, it really illustrates

what a vital role the School is playing – not just in providing young people who are ready for the racing industry workplace, but by giving them the skills and resilience which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. This is all down to the passion and hard work of the whole team who work here.

The School remains something of a golden secret. My hope for the future is that more people come to recognise the immense value of the School, not just to the racing industry but to those who are lucky enough to have spent time there, and to help it flourish still further.

Martin Mitchell, Patron

Martin Mitchell, Patron and former Chair of Trustees, The British Racing School.

Martin Mitchell catches up with former CEO Grant Harris about his reflections on his time at the School

Succeeding such a legend as Rory MacDonald as CEO of the Racing School was no easy task for Grant Harris - CEO from 2014 to 2022 - but during his term of office, the School’s profile evolved.

“When I took over, I had my own firm idea how the School might change, but realised that any developments or amendments to how the place operated, would have to be introduced gradually and after full consultation with the team here. For about 100 days, I listened and observed - speaking to each staff member individually to discover how they viewed the BRS and how they thought it might best evolve. It was a collaborative process. Whilst preserving the discipline and routine that are necessary to ensure that the trainees are prepared for life in a racing yard, I wanted the School to be rather softer in its approach. The students coming to the School needed to be treated very much as individuals, each with their own particular requirements. I felt we had to give a chance to all, as long as they were prepared to dedicate themselves to the task. The appointment of a School Nurse would be an example of this change of approach.”

During his time at the BRS, Grant and his team have faced many challenges, some relating to funding, others pandemicrelated. Perhaps his, and indeed all at the School’s, greatest challenge was the Covid pandemic. While most educational centres closed, the BRS continued to educate young people throughout, thanks to the introduction of a set of protocols and procedures, whereby for the first two weeks of a course, each new cohort was isolated from others and each had its own dedicated barn, horses, tack, riding, welfare and catering teams.

Grant recognises this as a genuine achievement; he is also proud of the School’s greater involvement in the local community, headlined by the establishment of the Newmarket Pony Academy, where children from local primary schools can learn the joy of just being around horses. He adds:

“I feel the School is very much moving in the right direction and am delighted in all we’ve done with local charities, and indeed some like the Prince’s Trust and the Ebony Horse club from further afield, to give young people the chance to learn to ride and care for horses. I am very grateful to all our benefactors, who have constantly helped improve the facilities here and to the Racing Authorities for their continuing assistance in the day-to-day running of the establishment. I am also immensely proud

that every Champion Apprentice in the last 10 years trained at the School and that the School gained an ‘Outstanding’ rating at the 2018 Ofsted Inspection.”

Did you know...?

We have supported over 4,500 young people through our Foundation Courses alone in the last 40 years!

Grant Harris, Chief Executive from 2014 to 2022.

Reflections from staff past and present

I love my job here, seeing students progress from little experience to being successful in the workplace is very rewarding and there’s nothing better than giving Saborido a fuss at the end of the day!

Laura Stokes, Foundation Course Instructor and former student, The British Racing School

With a military background and a background of racing, thanks to his father, who was a Jockey Club vet, Rory was the ideal candidate to move the School from being a rather nebulous Jockey School to being at the forefront of training in British racing. He widened the remit of the BRS from purely developing potential jockeys, to training and qualifying young people, who aspire to work in - or indeed outsidethe racing industry in a number of roles. He transformed the BRS into an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence, set up a trading company, which allowed the School to develop a range of commercial activities, the income from which helped supplement the School’s charitable activities, fundraised over 5 million pounds in donations to develop the facilities, lobbied Government for a specific Apprenticeship funding model and so much more. Rory’s underlying passion was the young and nothing gave him greater pleasure than seeing them achieve success, however large or small. He was also a great supporter of all the staff. He lived and breathed the British Racing School for 22 years and he would be thrilled at its continued success on its 40th Anniversary.

Antonia, Rory’s widow

I joined the BRS in autumn 1989 as assistant to ‘The Major’, as the boss, Barney Griffiths was known, with the added challenge of being a sort of live-in housemaster. In those days we ran 5 consecutive courses, each of 9 weeks, for 16 and 17 year olds, with a maximum of 30 on each. There was then a 2-week course, specifically for Apprentices. In the summer we had a few weeks free, allowing the horses and ponies to be turned out. Staffing was pretty light - just 4 instructors, 3 of us pen-pushers in the office and the indefatigable, super stylish ex-jockey, Johnnie Gilbert driving his tractor around the site and testing the trainees’ ‘stickability’ by revving it as he passed the string; the horses clearly looked forward to this daily excuse for mischief!

The student profile was changing during my years at the School. Attracting teenagers of the right size, inclination and skill was becoming increasingly difficult. Although the minimum weight for flat races at that time was 7st 7lbs, the School’s preference for trainees to weigh under 9st was already impossible to sustain. My first course, Course 32, included a fairly large but notably enthusiastic and determined lad - I sometimes wonder what happened to Charlie Appleby!

Lack of fitness was often a problem. We had no gym, so our fitness training consisted of compulsory runs - up to Snailwell and back or taken a little further by minibus, which followed the students home, collecting

wheezing and exhausted casualties on the way. We also employed homespun interval training, sending the poor trainees up and down the steep embankment, separating the School from the dual carriageway. This worked for Martin Pipe horses, so we figured it could be applied to our desperately unfit students.

There was always a course at the BRS over Christmas. The Major brought his military background to bear, with instructors and office staff serving Christmas lunch to the trainees, most of whom were spending not just their first Christmas, but their first time, away from family. Having been sent away to boarding-school at the age of 13, I had much empathy with those struggling with homesickness.

My most satisfying achievement in my time at the School was helping students overcome their wish to leave in the early days, then watching them develop and flourish, so much so that at the end of 9 weeks the tears would flow again - at their reluctance to leave the School.

The British Racing School changes lives. Many a star jockey, and a few leading trainers, ignited illustrious careers there and perhaps my 27 years at Weatherbys might never have happened without such a fulfilling start to my career at this glorious establishment.”

Adrian McGlynn

I love every minute of my job and I am extremely happy to be able to help young people to make their dreams come true and work in this amazing industry.

Agnieszka Slobodzian, ‘Mrs Aggie’, Foundation Course Instructor, The British Racing School

Rory MacDonald, Chief Executive from 1992 to 2014.

Tyrese Cameron, Apprentice to Richard Hannon, graduated from BRS Foundation Course in November 2021, being coached by Richard Perham, Head of Jockey Coaching.

The British Racing School main yard.

A brief glance at the History of The British Racing School

In memory of Rory MacDonald, for his selfless dedication to the school for 22 years

As we move into the next millennium, Rory’s plan for the school was to “establish ourselves as the industry training centre for excellence” and to provide opportunities for disadvantaged young people – an ethos and standard we still uphold two decades later.

The BRS had a nomadic existence, moving from Great Bookham in Surrey to the Earl of March’s Goodwood Estate in 1975.

Chaired by Lord McAlpine, the Joint Racing Board Working Party (set up in 1979) purchased the BRS’ current site in Newmarket with funding from the Levy Board and generous donations from individuals.

The school is formally opened by HRH The Prince and Princess of Wales on 23rd November 1983.

1995: Seb Sanders becomes the first BRS graduate from Newmarket to become Champion Apprentice.

1977: Jimmy Bleasdale becomes the first BRS graduate to become Champion Apprentice.

Did you know...?

Every Champion Apprentice in the last 10 years trained at The British Racing School!

Our first Newmarket-based Foundation Course starts in October 1983. This course welcomed Alison Harper, who was the first graduate from the school to win a race and now works for the school 40 years later!

1992: Rory MacDonald OBE, becomes Chief Executive after Major Barney Griffiths retires.

Major building works take place to expand and improve the school, enabling us to accommodate more students and provide outstanding training facilities. This included new classrooms, student accommodation, reception area, dining hall, American barn, and horse walker thanks to generous funding from The Childwick Trust, E B M Charitable Trust and Newsells Park Stud.

“I was very lucky to spend one day a week at the BRS whilst at school. It gave me the perfect grounding for a successful career.”

Luke Morris

The ethos of the school going forward was to retain our status as the industry training centre for excellence whilst putting a greater focus on ensuring equality of access and opportunity for all young people to access careers in racing, empowering each individual to reach their potential. This was supported by the appointment of a new position of school nurse and introductory/ taster sessions in partnership with other charities such as The Prince’s Trust for those with no prior knowledge of horses or racing.

In 2014, Grant Harris becomes Chief Executive after Rory MacDonald retires.

In 2018 The British Racing School is awarded ‘Outstanding’ status following an Ofsted inspection.

2021: The Newmarket Pony Academy was born! Providing vital opportunities to children from local schools, the academy was piloted in 2020 and fully launched in 2021, led by our Finance Director Andrew Braithwaite and Penny Taylor from Godolphin and funded thanks to the generosity of the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, Tattersalls, Godolphin and many others.

2023 marks 40 years of us being on our current site in Newmarket. Every Champion Apprentice in the last ten years has trained at The British Racing School!

Our Foundation Course as it is today was born in 2008! This included a new Round Gallop to bridge the transition from riding in the indoor school to the straight. A radio system was introduced for communicating with students whilst riding which is still integral to how we teach today. The course integrated an NVQ L2 qualification to enable the school to access government funding for the training element of our Foundation Courses going forward.

HRH The Princess Royal officially opened Jim Joel House in 2015. This provided an additional 12 bed spaces, a common room and a new classroom, thanks to generous funding from The Childwick Trust and E B M Charitable Trust.

In 2020 the BRS continued to provide education for young people throughout the pandemic under strict protocols and safety measures.

Our direction of travel for the next decade:

▶ Become more environmentally sustainable as a school and play our part in helping the industry as a whole to reduce its carbon footprint.

▶ As the gateway to the racing industry: proactively work on new initiatives to increase equality, diversity and inclusion in the sport of horseracing.

▶ Continue to increase our international training.

▶ Continue to raise our profile as a charity which has the welfare and success of our young people and horses at the heart of everything we do.

Louis Steward

Andrew Braithwaite takes over from Grant Harris as Chief Executive in October 2022.

“The British Racing School was a very welcoming place to learn, full of enthusiastic teachers who gave me the confidence to fulfil my potential.”

Want to know more about our horses?

Lydia de Souza, Foundation Course Instructor, gives an insight into how ex racehorses are rehomed and given a second career with us at the School…

The British Racing School is home to over 70 ex racehorses ranging from the age of 4 to 20 - making us home to more retired racehorses than any other site in the UK.

The horses’ welfare is a top priority for the School; we teach students how to look after horses to a ‘gold standard’ in order for them to be able to work at the high levels expected by the racing industry. The horses are kept in a mixture of barns and traditional loose boxes depending on where they settle best, they are bedded on thick straw beds or a dust-free shavings alternative. The horses eat top quality roughage in the form of hay, haylage or bagged dried grass depending on their individual dietary requirements and are fed a special ‘BRS’ cube made by Sharp Nutrition. The horses are groomed and exercised daily by the students to promote good health and are of course checked by instructors daily too to ensure trainees have not missed any subtle signs the horses may not be at their best. The British Racing School is lucky to have the services of Rossdales equine vets on the doorstep so horses can be treated quickly by some of the world’s top vets. All horses are vetted yearly in order to check their suitability for the work expected at the School. The horses also have regular holidays when they are turned out in herds for a well-deserved break and time to interact with other horses, which is vital for their mental wellbeing.

The horses come in all shapes and sizes from the 14.2hh racing ponies right up to former jumps horse Oakley Hall who stands at approximately 17.2hh, and one thing they all have in common is a larger waistline than when they were racing! So how do we choose

In loving memory of Port Quin - the School’s longest-standing resident. “Porky”, as he was affectionately known by staff and students, joined the School in 2009.

suitable candidates? We rely on generous racing owners and trainers to offer us their horses at the end of their racing careers. We take these on a one month trial wherein they

Did you know...?

We order around 600 packets of polos every year for our horses (but we can’t quantify the number of treats they also get from our students!)

Did you know...?

Our current horses have won 236 races between them from 2,281 starts.

are ridden by members of staff in all facilities before being ridden by students. At the end of a successful trial the horses are purchased from the owners for £1 with the agreement that owners would then be given first refusal to repurchase the horse should they become no longer suitable for the School. Each horse is assessed regularly and given a grade, with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult; this enables instructors to give students horses of a suitable level to both keep them safe but also suitably challenged as their course progresses. It is necessary to keep some more difficult horses to enable students to meet the demands of the industry on graduation, but we would never keep horses we considered a danger.

Port Quin was one of the School’s longest standing residents and came from Geoff Wragg aged 4 in 2009, who we sadly lost in 2023 aged 18. He was a real stalwart teaching huge numbers of students to do a rising trot and canter every year. ‘Porky’, as he was known, could often be grumpy

to handle due to his excitable ways on the gallops and eventually earned himself a ban from the straight gallop. But, he was a favourite of the instructors nonetheless, not least because Mrs Aggie broke him in and Miss de Souza and Miss Westgate remember riding him when they were students! Does it matter if they were rubbish racehorses? Not at all! Some of our residents such as Roman Attack and Deviation were considered so slow they never ran in a race, but we are also home to Poetic Rhythm, Fergal O’Brien’s first Grade 1 winner, Perfect Candidate the winner of over £156k over jumps and Emirates Flyer who won £322k for Godolphin and even ran in Dubai! Regardless of ability these horses all have fantastic temperaments, and all teach the students different lessons at different stages of their course. We are truly grateful to their owners for their generosity.

Did you know...?

The School is home to over 70 ex-racehorses ranging from the age of 4 to 20 – making us home to more retired racehorses than any other site in the UK!

Dark White.

Little Meadow

Meet some of our horses

Castilo Del Diablo

Lily Eva

Five Star Junior

Tawseef

Age: 16

Height: 15hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2012

Wins: 0 from 20 starts

“AKA: Little Madam!”

Age: 14

Height: 15’3hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2017

Wins: 4 from 43 starts

“Is a great all rounder - stalls, jumping, work riding, great for beginners and is more challenging on the straights”

Army of Stars

Age: 17

Height: 15’3hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2012

Wins: 0 from 13 starts

“Loves cuddles and is popular with students”

Emirates Flyer

Percy Toplis

Age: 17

Height: 15’1hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2012

Wins: 7 from 66 starts

“...is scared of his own shadow!”

Age: 15

Height: 15hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2021

Wins: 12 from 92 starts “…always looks surprised!”

Simple Rhythm

Age: 17

Height: 15hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2012

Wins: 3 from 30 starts

“Fastest horse out of the stalls!”

Age: 12

Height: 15’1hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2018

Wins: 3 from 20 starts

“Rated 104 with £323,000 prize money”

Age: 9

Height: 15’3hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2021

Wins: 2 from 63 starts

“Lovely mid-level horse that teaches riders a lot”

Age: 17

Height: 15’2hh

Arrived @ BRS: 2013

Wins: 9 from 92 starts

“Mrs Aggie’s (one of our Instructors) favourite horse”

Meet Alison Harper: The journey from student in 1983 to staff member in 2023

In October 1983, Alison Harper joined the first ever course at The British Racing School’s new home in Newmarket. Having grown up nearby in Brinkley and ridden ponies since she was four years old, Alison has always had a passion for horses. Aged 13, she secured a summer and weekend job working in a small stud owned by Brian Taylor, then a jockey to Jeremy Hindley. There she worked with Judith Barclay and fell in love with the racehorses. On Alison’s 14th birthday, Judith said she could ride one of the horses destined for Hong Kong. Alison says:

“I don’t know why she let me ride but she did. She said, whatever you do, don’t canter. So I went down the bridle path and cantered! I couldn’t believe the

feeling it gave me. That’s when I realised, I know what I want to do with my life – I want to be a jockey.”

After announcing it, Alison was discouraged from pursuing race-riding as a career and was directly told by those in the industry that “women aren’t jockeys.” However, Alison’s determination soon landed her an interview, and job aged 15, with Jeremy Hindley. When

The British Racing School moved to its new home in 1983, Alison was given an opportunity to join its first course, thanks to Sally Hindley, who was a Trustee at the time. The course was run by Johnny Gilbert, assisted by his son Andrew, who had been delivering the course from Goodwood before the School found its new home in Newmarket. About her course, Alison says:

“There were twelve of us on the course, including four females and someone from an ethnic minority background. It’s important to reflect on this because the School has always been accessible to anyone, right from day one. The setup of the School was great and I learnt so much. I had picked up things from working on a yard but the difference at the School was that you didn’t just learn how to do something, you also learnt why. Even then, fitness was a key part of the course and we had to run around the 50 acres

Alison at the School main yard, 1983.

Alison riding her first winner, Top Wing, Kempton, 11th April 1986, trained by Jeremy Hindley.

Johnnie Gilbert and Alison in the main yard, 1983.

every morning. Soon after we joined, the School was officially opened by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. We were so excited to meet them, and practised our parade for hours and hours to make it perfect.”

A year later, Alison had her first ride in Newmarket, making her the first student (and consequently the first female) from the first course to have a public ride! Two years after graduating, she was then the first of her course to ride a winner, at Kempton. Talking about entering the racing industry as an aspiring female jockey, Alison says:

“I was a bit oblivious when I first set out about how difficult it was going to be. But my competitive nature meant that whenever I experienced knock-backs it just made me more determined to succeed. Despite it being a male-dominated and class-dominated industry at the time, I had some good people around me who took me under their wings and helped me along the way, but I had a double barrier to overcome to compete at the same level as my peers. When I first said I want to be a jockey, people laughed at me. So, rather than telling people my dream was to be Champion Jockey, I said I would like to have a ride, then after that I would like

some more. In the afternoons, I would go through the Racing Post and call around trainers for outside rides, the same as the other apprentices, but the reactions to me were painful. Often, the secretaries would ask me who I am calling on behalf of, or tell me its not a girls ride or we need someone strong so we can’t take on a girl. However, when I started to get more rides, including televised ones, the press were kind to me and this boosted my confidence.”

To get more experience, Alison then moved to Norway and had success there. Her career as a jockey then took off; she got an apprentice job with Robert Williams and later travelled to Australia and Italy. She says she was welcomed so warmly in Italy and rode as a professional jockey there until she was 32, racking up just shy of 100 winners. After having her children, Alison then went on to join the newly-established Italian Racing School,

and said that having been a student at the British Racing School was key to her being invited to be an Instructor there. Her time spent as a teacher there won her an award recognising her contribution to Italian Horse Racing and Equestrianism. After the Italian School closed due to lack of investment, Alison and her family moved back to the UK. She was offered a job as an Assistant Trainer to James Fanshawe and later moved to Marco Botti’s but deep down, she missed teaching, and her eyes were always set on working at The British Racing School. As with her career to date, Alison was determined to make her own luck and after making her wishes known to the School, she was eventually offered an Instructor role when an opening became available. Fast-forward to 2023, Alison is now the BRS’ Lead Workplace Instructor, having worked at the School since 2016. She says:

“When I stopped being a competitive horse person and had my children, like any sports person, when you retire, there is something missing, a real hole. When I started to teach young people and help them grow, I saw it as my way of paying back all those who had helped me along the way. I could give back to racing but also impart my knowledge on how to maintain the highest standards of horse care and welfare for these amazing animals, which I am so deeply passionate about. I have taught so many amazing students; and what often stuck out for me is the day that you see them go up the straights and they turn around with the most enormous grin on their face with their eyes are lit up. After all the struggles to get to that point, I suddenly see in their face that feeling I had when I rode my first racehorse on my 14th birthday.”

Asked what it means to be part of the School now in 2023, celebrating our 40th birthday, Alison says:

“I am immensely proud to work at The British Racing School and I know we have the best facilities in the world. I have always said I want this to be my forever job. It’s always been a source of pride to know I was on the first course here and the first student to ride, and win, from the School. To see how much it has evolved, and is still evolving and to be part of that evolution is amazing. It’s like I’ve gone full circle – had all these amazing experiences, travelled the world, and come back to the place that gave me all those opportunities in the first place. What makes this place so special is the impact that this School has on young lives and the strong determination of everyone here to achieve the best outcome for every young person who walks through our doors.”

Lord Derby and Alison at the cup presentation for her Newmarket race winner.

Alison riding at BRS.

Kaiya Fraser’s Story

Riding winners is something our graduates do on a regular basis. We have ex-trainees race riding all over the world, both flat and jumps, and every winner is an achievement. However, every now and then a young person comes through our gates with a plan to turn a dream into a reality…

Kaiya Fraser is one of those. He came to The British Racing School on our Foundation Course with his only previous experience of horses, not even riding, being a 1-month volunteering role at Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, the inner city riding school where Khadijah Mellah learned to ride. His BRS Workplace Instructor, Jackie Hodge, says:

Kaiya was a very serious and shy trainee when we first met; always hiding under his hoodie because he felt uncomfortable and was not confident when being assessed. I hoped that eventually he would come out of his shell. That day came in August 2021 at Great Yarmouth races. I had gone to observe and take videos to support Kaiya’s apprenticeship portfolio. Kaiya led up a winner and his yard followed up with a second win, a horse that Kaiya rode on a daily basis. That day will always stay with me - it was Kaiya’s birthday and the first day I saw him properly smile whilst I was working with him. The memory still brings a tear!”

Kaiya successfully gained an apprenticeship at Chris Wall Racing after graduating from the School and completed his Level 2 Diploma. Chris Wall said about Kaiya:

“When I first met Kaiya Fraser he was a shy, quiet person but it was clear that he had a genuine love of horses and that he was determined to make a go of it in racing. Once he had joined us it was obvious that he had a natural affinity with the horses.

His quiet demeanour was a big help around fractious thoroughbreds both in and out of the stable. He was always a confident rider, confident in his own ability and always challenging himself to ride more difficult horses. He was a good listener, taking in all the advice given to him by other, more experienced, members of staff or from myself and his laid back nature was ideal for settling strong horses. In addition to being able to settle horses it soon became obvious that they in turn responded well to his urgings once he was riding in gallops. So, we sent him on a work riding course followed by his apprentice licence course.

His first ride took him by surprise but he quickly learned what it was all about and on his second ride cajoled the same horse to win at Leicester. Since then, his riding has improved in leaps and bounds, he has ridden more winners and all of my owners are keen for him to ride if I deem it appropriate.

Kaiya has gone from being a quiet, slightly introspective lad to a confident more outgoing person. Considering he had very little experience of riding before attending the British Racing School he has come a very long way in a short time. He is a credit to himself, his family and the Racing School.”

Having grown up in Hackney with no direct contacts in the sport, Kaiya has worked hard to realise his ambition of becoming a jockey, but in doing so he will also become a role model for other young people. He is proof of the message and ethos of the School, that it doesn’t matter about your background – if you want to work in horseracing and are willing to try, we can help make it happen. Kaiya says:

“Having lived in London, I arrived at the BRS having never sat on a horse. I was somewhat apprehensive but was determined and willing to learn. I kept my head down, took in what I was told and just got on with the job. I also feel the BRS helped me grow in confidence and maturity as an individual. After my 14 weeks at the School I started work with Newmarket trainer, Chris Wall. My riding improved further and Mr Wall had the faith in me to give me a few rides; to date I’ve ridden 11 winners from around 60 rides - an acceptable strike rate. When Mr Wall retired at the end of the 2022 season, I transferred to the yard of Harry Eustace. I’m enjoying it here and my aim is to ride some winners for this up-andcoming stable and hopefully start to pick up a few rides from other yards.”

Kaiya riding a winner at Leicester, September 2021.

Kaiya, graduated from The British Racing School (BRS) in 2018. Now an Apprentice Jockey at Harry Eustace, formerly with Chris Wall.

CASE STUDY: Harry Enright

“Normal daily activities can be hard for me, but the majority of time I find a way through it and keep going. I don’t view anything as a barrier for me...it’s like a fence at The Grand National - if you want something that bad you have to jump it. My biggest goal is to become the first one-handed jockey. I am determined to achieve that, but I know I just have to take smaller steps than others to get there.”

Harry, aged 17 from London, fell in love with horses at a very young age. Having been born with one hand, Harry and his parents never treated it as a barrier to him achieving everything he wanted to. He considered other paths to follow such as football or office work, but his passion always remained in working with horses. His mum Michelle said:

“Harry had an interest in horses from a very young age. He came to us when he was about 14 and said ‘ I want to be a jockey.’ Being a mum I said ‘of course you can’ but in my head I thought how on earth are we going to do this? That’s when we found The British Racing School.”

Harry joined the School’s 18 week foundation course that prepares young people wishing to pursue a career in the racing industry; teaching them everything from mucking out to riding, alongside English & Maths. Being able to ride racehorses safely was paramount to Harry’s ability to join the course, so our staff worked tirelessly to ensure this was possible. Andrew Braithwaite, who was the School’s Finance Director at the time, set about designing and engineering a bespoke prosthetic for Harry which slides onto his arm and attaches to the reins using a magnet. A power circuit keeps it in place, so that if Harry falls off, the circuit is broken, releasing the magnet. This not only kept

Harry safe whilst riding, but all the other horses and riders with him on the course.

Harry’s dad said:

“Since coming to The British Racing School, Harry’s riding has come on leaps and bounds, as has his self-esteem, confidence and overall growth as a young man. The School pulled that out of him - we sent him here as a boy and he’s come back home to us a young man. We couldn’t be more happy or proud at the progress he has made.”

Harry went on to work as a work rider at Lawney Hill’s racing stables in Oxfordshire and is now at Morgan-Evans Equestrian. Lawney Hill says:

“Harry is hardworking, cheeky and dedicated. He’s determined not to

let anything get in his way. We are so impressed with his riding ability and his manner with the horses and he has been a brilliant addition to our team.”

Alison Harper, his Foundation Course Instructor at the BRS says:

“Everyone I have taught over the years has had some challenges to overcome, but for Harry, his were unprecedented. When Harry first joined the School, I was sceptical – from a ‘is this even possible’ point of view. There were frustrations and setbacks for Harry to progressing through the necessary steps but at the point Andrew, our Finance Director at the time, stepped in to support through inventing a custom-made prosthetic and, after going away to get some more work experience,

“We are extremely proud of Harry. Not only for what he has personally achieved but for inspiring others like him to never give up on their dreams.”

– Michelle, Harry’s mum

Harry came back to join my course. I knew this was my last Foundation Course before changing jobs so supporting Harry to break down these barriers was the perfect last challenge for me as an Instructor. I remember saying to him that, whatever you manage to do, you have already succeeded. Harry was learning to push the limits, both mentally and physically, and understand his body. My goal for Harry was always for him to be as independent as possible, so we were always going back to the drawing board on lots scenarios to ensure Harry could be on a level playing field with the other students. I am so proud of Harry, he is still on his journey to where he wants to be, and as a School we are still supporting him to achieve his dreams, two years later.”

Harry at the BRS.

An early prototype of Harry’s prosthetic that allowed Harry to ride safely. Invented by BRS Chief Executive, Andrew Braithwaite.

As a charity, The British Racing School improves social mobility for young people aged 8-25, by using their interest in horses to unlock education, training and employment opportunities which may otherwise have felt inaccessible to them. Our training centre for excellence creates pathways for over 500 young people every year to participate in the sport of British horseracing through:

THE FOUNDATION COURSE

The Flagship Foundation Course provides 6-18 week residential courses for 16-24 year olds who want to start a career in racing in entry level work riding positions. We run 14 Foundation Courses each year on a rolling basis and have links with suitable trainers across the UK where we place each young person into employment following their graduation. The course leads on to a Level 2 apprenticeship, which is taught by our Workplace Instructors who work remotely in various regions across the country. As well as learning all the practical and theory elements of horse care and riding, students are supported with independent living skills such as healthy eating and budgeting. Improving fitness is a key part of their progression whilst with us and forms a key part of their daily routine. Being a residential course, this is usually the first time a young person has been away from home, and we have a dedicated welfare team and School Nurse on site to support the students 24/7. We also have three dedicated English and Maths tutors who provide group and one to one tuition to students to improve their Functional Skills with great success – 100% achieve

at least one grade higher in English and Maths, with 71% achieving at least two grades higher.

“Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity you have given my daughter, and the hope and faith you have restored to her parents about her future. You guys are wonderful!”

Parent of Foundation Course Participant, 2022

“This has been the best experience of my life. Since I got accepted it has changed my life - I have met so many new people, I’ve been exposed to the horseracing industry and it’s been so much fun. I’m most proud about making it onto the round canter because I almost fell off on the first day when we started in the indoor school. I’m graduating today and it’s been so nice to see how I have progressed and achieved my goals during my time here!”

Ibraheem

THE FLEXIBLE LEARNING PROGRAMME

A weekly alternative learning provision offered to year 10 and 11 pupils from local schools to increase educational engagement and gain skills and qualifications which lead to careers in British horseracing. 100% graduates gain a Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Riding. We secure employment or further education outcomes for all participants and those who go into employment at a racing yard will be given

the opportunity to work towards a Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Riding, usually via the Apprenticeship route (this is assessed by our BRS Workplace Instructors who visit students in the workplace.)

“One of our students was a school refuser – they weren’t accessing education in any way shape or form. But since joining the Flexible Learning Programme, I’m pleased to say now that, due to the confidence they built here at the School, they are also now attending their school on a more regular basis. We are absolutely delighted, and I am in no doubt that their increased engagement in mainstream education is down to the impact of the Flexible Learning Programme.”

Mark Kirby, Deputy Headteacher, Olive Academy, Cambridge

THE PONY RACING ACADEMY

Our 12-week Academy takes place on Saturday mornings for 13-15 year olds who want to take part in Pony Racing but due to financial or other barriers, are unable to take part in the sport.

RIDING A DREAM ACADEMY

Inspired by the incredible achievements of Khadijah Mellah, the first British Muslim woman to ride in and win a UK horse race, the Riding a Dream Academy runs a range of programmes for riders aged 1418, funded by the Racing Foundation and in partnership with The British Racing School. Supporting around 40-50 young

people from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds each year. Many Khadejah Mellah scholarship graduates go on to complete the BRS Foundation Course and/ or secure work within racing yards.

Our work with young people: providing outstanding education, skills for life and skills for work – making horse racing accessible for all

The Pony Racing Academy.

Khadejah Mellah, the first British Muslim woman to ride in and win a UK horse race.

The Newmarket Pony Academy (NPA) is a new initiative, set up in June 2020 by The British Racing School (BRS); responding to the need to provide local, disadvantaged school-aged children with the opportunity to interact and learn about horses, who would otherwise never get the opportunity to do so. The NPA provides a five-day educational programme for groups of 8-10 school children aged 8-14, designed to improve core skills such as teamwork, confidence and resilience through a mixture of practical and theory sessions. All pupils get hands on experience with the ponies and ride every day throughout the week and alongside this, complete English, Maths and Science workbooks which are contextualised within equine studies. The programme has had an enormous impact on young people’s mental wellbeing and learning capabilities in the area, particularly due to the disruption that covid brought to their education.

The Newmarket Pony Academy

antisocial behaviour, truancy and low self-esteem.

▶ Physical disabilities such as visual and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy and wheelchair users.

▶ Being young carers

▶ Victim of bullying or abuse

▶ Lack of engagement in school

▶ Likelihood of engaging in antisocial behaviour/crime

▶ Are in care/under child protection arrangements

▶ Have suffered a bereavement or other childhood trauma.

Our Academy is the only one of its kind in the UK. Many horse and pony clubs across the country provide after-school clubs and riding lessons at a cost to children and their parents and carers. Ours runs all-year round, during term-time, summer holidays and after school and is free for children and for the schools who we partner with. It is specifically designed to support disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to work with, and learn about horses and ponies. Many of the children who attend the Academy have a passion for horses but cannot afford to act on this passion. They may present with additional barriers, difficulties and challenges in their lives such as:

▶ Learning disabilities or language and communication difficulties such as ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, speech disorders, dyslexia and dyspraxia

▶ Social, emotional and mental health needs such as anxiety, depression, selfharm, eating disorders, disruptive or

“Thank you so much for my week at the Pony Academy. I had such a fantastic time I didn’t want the week to end. You were all amazing in helping me overcome my fears and give me confidence. I loved looking after the ponies, they were adorable and I never thought I would ever get to ride one. You have made my dreams come true!”

MARIA

What also makes us unique is our community partnerships. We are embedded in our local community, working hand-in-hand with a variety of other organisations to ensure we are supporting those most in need. These include: nineteen local primary schools, East Anglia Children’s Hospice, Make a Change, Blue Smile, West Suffolk Council, racing industry representatives and a variety of local businesses.

The aim of the Academy is to improve young people’s mental health by using the study and care of ponies to increase their confidence, resilience, engagement and social skills. This opportunity is lifechanging for those who take part. Being

part of The British Racing School means there are various positive pathways for children to continue their passion with horses such as holiday clubs, Flexible Learning Programme, Foundation Courses and volunteering.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff, volunteers and funders of The Newmarket Pony Academy. The children have enjoyed their time at this amazing facility and are taking away with them confidence, a wealth of knowledge and many happy memories. You have been truly amazing. Please know that you have created opportunities for many children that would never in a million years have been able to have the wonderful experience they had this week. YOU HAVE MADE THE DIFFERENCE – THANK YOU!”

Lisa Yeardsley, Teacher at Fordham Primary School

“My time at the Newmarket Pony Academy was really amazing, I’m now doing a lot of things that I never thought I would. My favourite horse was Strider – he taught me that I can do anything if I trust in him and myself. I need to say a massive thank you to you because you guys are the reason I am doing things I wouldn’t have thought I could. Thank you for believing in me when times were tricky.”

lACEY

What courses do we deliver at The British Racing School?

knowledge and skill in particular areas.

The Trainers Modules 1, 2 and 3 look at Racehorse Care and Management (Module 1), Business Skills for Racehorse Trainers (Module 2) and Staff Management (Module 3), with talks and presentations from industry specialists as well as providing a great networking opportunity.

The 3-day Assistant Trainers Course covers subjects including staff management, handicapping, media training, Health and Safety, Racing Welfare, BHA’s Licensing and Security functions and Weatherbys Operations and the Rules.

Admin/Industry Courses

The Racing Secretaries course is aimed at secretaries new to racing and people looking to progress to administrative roles within the industry. This 3-day course covers the role of a racing secretary, insight from well-established racing secretaries, and includes introductions to key organisations such as the International Racing Bureau, the National Trainers Federation, and the British Horseracing Authority.

With the option to progress to an Honours Degree, the 24-month Foundation Degree delivers a broad programme of learning and offers a fascinating insight into the horseracing industry, with students achieving a FdSc Horseracing Industry Award from Hartpury University. Other administrative and industrybased courses include the Racing Media Academy and the BHA’s week-long The Racing Industry Course (TRIC).

Trainers/Senior Staff Courses

The BHA requires all those who apply for training licences and permits to satisfy a range of mandatory criteria, including passing specific modules to improve their

The Yard Managers course is run over two days and covers communication, handling conflict, employment law, motivation, team building and styles of leadership.

A stand-alone Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Management has been designed specifically for the racing industry and is a nationally recognised, skill-based qualification. This is the ideal way to increase knowledge about racehorse care and management and, with experience, prepare for a position of responsibility. A Level 3 Diploma is a mandatory requirement for all prospective permit holders and licensed racehorse trainers, and it is linked to the Grade A racing wage.

Ground Based Courses

The 6-week residential Ground Based Yard Staff Course is aimed at anyone who is keen to work in racing but doesn’t want to ride. It covers mucking out, tacking up, travel horses, horse walkers, tractor driving, first aid training, feeding and horse health. It is aimed at people who wish to work in racing but are not keen to ride and at the end of the course, assistance is given by the BRS to find employment in a racing yard.

Animal welfare legislation requires that those who transport horses in connection with an economic activity on journeys over 65kms must hold a Certificate of Competence. The regular Transport Qualification courses at BRS offer a Level 3 Award in both the Principles of Transporting Horses by Road on Short Journeys, and on Long Journeys (Attendant or Attendant/ Driver).

Additional Staff Development Courses

The Introduction to Riding Work course is designed to give competent stable staff the opportunity to learn about riding work, covering the basic theory and aims behind riding work.

A week-long Transition to Racing course is aimed at those over 21 who are fit, confident and competent riders, and aims to give them enough knowledge and ability to secure employment in a racing yard.

International Training

The earliest regular international training we provided started in 2007 with the Korea Racing Authority. Much of the training we provide is for jockeys but we have also trained racehorse trainers from a variety of nationalities on the Godolphin (previously Darley) Flying Start programme. We have provided training for individuals – mainly from the Gulf States - and for groups. In 2013 at the behest of Darley, we arranged training for a group of Chinese jockeys under a scheme funded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. Two further cohorts of Chinese jockeys came to us over the two subsequent years. We have also provided training for South African jockeys through a programme generously funded by the Childwick Trust and for

jockeys from Poland, Scandinavia, Hungary, Czech Republic and, most recently, ten jockeys from the Turkish Jockey Club.

Our annual Racing Industry Course (TRIC) has attracted interest from America, Germany, France, Oman, Japan and Singapore. Prior to Brexit, we trained around twenty young people a year from other European countries as government funding for Foundation course training extended to those from the EU. For several years we would train a complete course from Sweden who remained in this country for a year after their course, working in racing yards, before invariably returning home to assist the racing industry in Sweden. We continue to offer bespoke international training programmes for a wide range of countries.

“The British Racing School is one of the leading racing schools in the world. We are so glad to collaborate with them and develop a training programme of international standing, delivered by a professional team of instructors, using their excellent facilities.”

Turkish Jockey Club

Admin courses.

Korean jockey riding on the straight gallop during 8 week jockey training course in 2015.

Licencing stipulations for all jockeys riding in the UK require mandatory training, education and development. The British Racing School delivers this on behalf of the BHA. We cater for all jockey training, including apprentice and conditional licence courses, Cat A and Cat B amateur licences and point to point licences. With bespoke courses for overseas jockeys who have held a licence in their country, and ongoing training through the BHA Jockey Training Programme, the School offers a comprehensive array of jockey courses to benefit the full spectrum of the horseracing industry.

Richard Perham – Head of Coaching, South

Richard is based at The British Racing School (BRS) in Newmarket and has been the Head of Jockey Coaching since January 2005.

His main role is to train and assess professional and amateur jockeys for their riding licences. He has played an active role in developing the Jockey Coaching Programme and continues to enjoy helping riders to develop their skills and also sharing his knowledge of coaching with the less experienced jockey coaches. He retired from professional race riding in 2001 having spent 16 years as a professional flat jockey winning 230 domestic races.

Meet our Jockey Coaches

He was apprenticed to Champion Trainer Richard Hannon Snr, where he learnt his trade as a professional jockey, and where he continued to ride throughout his career.

Richard puts riding winners for Her Majesty The Queen among his highest achievements, along with having an exemplary disciplinary record. During his riding career he rode for many leading trainers including Sir Mark Prescott, Sir Michael Stoute, Sir Henry Cecil, Marcus Tregoning, and Roger Charlton.

He has presented American Horseracing on Sky Sports Racing since 2002 and is a Director of his own company “RPSimulators” which manufactures jockey simulators.

Stakes – Shamardal 2004, Yorkshire Oaks –Super Tassa 200.

George Baker – Regional Jockey Coach: Newbury/ Lambourn

In addition to coaching, George is currently a Racing TV Presenter and Race Planning at Ed Walker’s. He retired in 2017 having achieved 1,364 wins as a professional flat jockey. He was apprenticed to Mark Usher and his career highlights include: 2016 St Leger and 4 Group 1 winners.

Michael Hills – Regional Jockey Coach: Newmarket

having achieved 350 domestic winners as a professional jump jockey and was a conditional to David Barron. His career highlights include: Coral Cup – Ilnamar 2002 and Great Yorkshire Chase – Barryscourt Lad 2003.

Brian Harding – Regional Jockey Coach: Cumbria

Kevin Darley

Head of Coaching, North

Based in Yorkshire, Kevin is a Qatar Racing Representative as well as a JETS Coaching Development Manager. He retired from professional race riding in 2007 having spent 31 years as a professional flat jockey and winning 2,431 domestic races. He was apprenticed to Reg Hollingshead and his career highlights include: Champion Apprentice 1978, Champion Jockey 2000, 1000 & Irish 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, Sun Chariot Stakes – Attraction 2004 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Observatory 2000 and Where or When 2002, Dewhurst

In addition to coaching, Michael is also a Work Rider and a Racehorse Syndicate Owner. He retired in 2012 having counted 2,086 wins as a professional flat jockey. His career highlights include: Champion Apprentice 1983, 5 Consecutive Jockey Club Cup (Now known as the British Champions Long Distance Cup), Further Flight 19911995, Epsom Derby – Shaamit 1996, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes –Pentire 1996, Nassau Stakes – Ryafan 1997, Champion Stakes – Storming Home 2002, King’s Stand Stakes – Equiano 2010.

Rodi Green – Regional Jockey Coach: Devon

In addition to coaching, Rodi is also currently a Work Rider. He retired in 2011

In addition to coaching, Brian also works in pre-training. He retired in 2017 having achieved 625 winners as a professional jump jockey and was apprenticed to Kevin Prendergast and Gordon Richards. His career highlights include: Mildmay Novices’ Chase– Addington Boy 1996, Queen Mother Champion Chase – One Man 1998, Future Champion Novices’ Chase – Grey Abbey 2001 and Eduard 2014, Fighting Fifth Hurdle– The French Furze 2003 and Irish Grand National – Granit d’Estruval 2004.

Russell Kennemore – Regional Jockey Coach: North Yorkshire

In addition to coaching, Russell also employed as a Work Rider. He retired in 2013 having counted 153 winners as a professional flat jockey and was apprenticed to Reg Hollingshead. His career highlights include: Old Newton Cup – Number Theory 2012 and Old Borough Cup – Platinum 2013.

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Richard Perham. Kevin Darley. George Baker. Michael Hills. Rodi Green. Brian Harding. Russell Kennemore.

What our former students say about us

I was on Course 27 in the autumn of 1988. I had some experience of riding - pony club, gymkhanas, hunting and a period riding for the late Milton Bradley. When I left school, I worked with Luca Cumani for 5 weeks before starting at the BRS. I remember my days there with rose-tinted glasses - it was a brilliant time. Major Griffiths was in charge and he and his wife were fantastic, as were Brian Connorton and Brian Lehman. The food was excellent and I ate far too much. You had to be pretty light to be accepted for the School and in order to ensure I was accepted, my mum had put me on a diet of boiled rice and apples! I was on the same course as Seb Sanders and Richard (Taffy) Philips, who went on to work for Ian and Andrew Balding.

Jason Weaver

My memories of the School included learning plenty about what was to come from a life in racing among likeminded friends. We also had finance lectures from a Weatherbys Bank representative and dietary advice from the PJA nutrition team. Amongst those on my course are several top-level jockeys, both on the flat and over jumps and others that have high positions within yards – it was a strong bunch. I had pre-organised to head straight back to Richard Hannon’s after my course – turned out to be a lucky move! The BRS has had a huge role to play in helping me to become a jockey; everybody involved has been nothing but helpful and supportive throughout my career.

Tom Marquand

I was on Foundation Course 99 in 1997. Before joining the School, I rode quieter horses in a yard close to home when I was about 13. I have very fond memories of my

time there – I cried with apprehension when I arrived and with sorrow when I left! I made good friends there, with whom I’m still in touch. Rory MacDonald, the then CEO, was a wonderful man – but I had my tickings off! The British Racing School has had such a huge influence on my career; not only did I get the best education for horse management and riding skills but I also received great care and support after leaving home at the age of 16. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Paul Hanagan

My riding improved a lot at the School but personally I have also matured and become more self-reliant. I have made many good friends here and started to believe in myself thanks to the support of the BRS which has been like a family.

Jesse, Foundation Course student, 2023

40 years is an exciting milestone and I cannot begin to explain the impact BRS has had on my life. I always remember the times when 9-year-old Sienna would say she wanted to be a jockey and never got taken seriously. However, the BRS provided me with the opportunity to chase my dream of being champion flat jockey one day. Their caring staff, horses you can’t help but fall in love with, and incredible facilities create the perfect place to help you excel in various racing careers. For that I will be forever grateful.

Sienna, Khadijah Mellah Scholarship, 2021-2022

Looking back to my time at the BRS seems like a distant memory, even though it was only 4 years ago; it’s not really that long at all, but since leaving, I’ve managed to do so much in the fast-paced world of horse racing. I still remember my arrival at the School - walking through the door with my belongings in tow, ready to take on whatever the next 16 weeks had in store. I was anxious and excited. I knew this was what I wanted to do and had done lots of research about potential career paths that I could follow and the opportunities that awaited once I’d completed the course. My course began in winter and the cold, dark mornings seemed rather gloomy, but knowing what was waiting on the other side of the course got me through; we knew we would finish just before the start of the turf flat season, and that helped motivate us.

I cherish my time at BRS, not just because of the lessons I learnt and the skills I picked up, but because I think it was the perfect stepping stone into the “Real World”. I also made some great friends there. Learning dayto-day routines and working practices in racing was invaluable, and what I learnt has been useful in the yards where I’ve worked since.

The support given me by the School has been invaluable in steering my career in the right direction and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the months spent at the BRS.

Sam Garcia, Course 338 Graduate, Work Rider at James Ferguson, Newmarket

I have fond memories of the sunny summer months I spent attending Course 31 for Stable Staff. I looked after Shiny Copper and rode Miller’s Tale and Flying Friend. The course taught me many useful life skills. I still ride regularly, although nowadays at a more sedate pace!

I think the British Racing School is a major asset to the British horse racing industry. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary.

Jacky Birch, author of ‘The Misfit’ by Jay Ann Foley

In the two years before coming to The British Racing School, I was barely attending school and only sat a small number of GCSEs. If I hadn’t enrolled with the BRS in 2002, I honestly don’t know where I would be. They gave me the foundations to be employable and the confidence to continue my studies. I am now happily married, my jobs in racing have taken me all over the world and I have ridden some exceptional horses. I feel my ambitions have already been fulfilled so for now, I remain grateful for my achievements.

Claire Muscutt

Sam Garcia. Sienna.

“The Childwick Trust has enjoyed a long association with the British Racing School and we are delighted to have been able to support such a worthwhile cause and well run organisation. The training and education you offer young people who want to develop their skills and build a career in horse racing are second to none and the successes you have achieved are a great tribute to the dedication of all those involved at the School.”

What Our Supporters Say about Us

uppermost for less privileged youngsters and in many cases children from deprived backgrounds. Working as we do as part of a funding network of like-minded bodies we were made aware of The Newmarket Pony Academy by Godolphin. After only one visit, which included conversations with local school Heads, convinced us that this enlightened project fitted our two primary criteria, namely ‘Would Peter have wanted to support this?’ and ‘can we create a permanent legacy to him?’ With the help of Andrew Braithwaite and his team at the British Racing School, both objectives have been totally achieved. What the Academy has done for local children is wonderful and we have been honoured and delighted to have been closely involved with such a tremendous project.”

“Ascot Racecourse is delighted to support the work of the British Racing School given the integral part they play in securing our industry’s future workforce. Their caring approach, inspirational programmes combined with the progression opportunities on offer, provide students with a clear pathway to achieve their ambitions. We feel our commemorative film captures the essence of the School and look forward to promoting their sterling work far and wide.”

“The Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust is delighted to be supporting the BRS with a range of projects and new initiatives. The BRS is a vital resource for the British Horseracing Industry and we congratulate this wonderful organisation on their 40th Anniversary.”

Did you know...?

We secure paid employment for 100% of our foundation course graduates. 100% achieve at least one grade higher in English and Maths, with 71% achieving at least two grades higher.

“The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust was set up by Peter (The Voice of Racing) shortly after he retired from commentating in 1997. Since then, close to £15 Million has been distributed or pledged to good causes within the equine world, be that equines themselves or those working with equines. In recent years the Trust has supported inner city projects where facilities are

Did you know...?

Thanks to donations to our Rory MacDonald Memorial Fund, we provide bursaries for young people to attend our Foundation Course for those from lower-income households.

“The Saddlers’ Company are delighted to support the British Racing School as its values and standards align with those to which we aspire. We are also pleased to see so many young people achieve their full potential and to succeed in their chosen career fields.”

Where do we get our funding from?

The operation of the charity is funded from three main sources. A third of our funding is from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of Study Programmes and Apprenticeships. Secondly, the charity receives industry funding via The British Horseracing Authority which originates from the Horserace Betting Levy Board and from a deduction from prize money. The remaining third of our income is raised through a combination of income from various training activities such as courses for jockeys, trainers and other horseracing industry professionals, and fundraising. Projects such as the Newmarket Pony Academy are entirely funded by charitable donations, as are any refurbishments needed to the School, and any bursaries required for those not eligible for government funding through the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

The future of The British Racing School

We are ambitious for ourselves and for the young people we train and are determined to be better in the future. To help achieve this improvement we have set three priorities, to remain a world leader in the training we deliver, to lead the horseracing industry in environment sustainability and to ensure we provide opportunities to work in the sport of horseracing to all young people irrespective of their background.

In January this year, we launched our Environmental Sustainability strategy and our commitment to reach net zero. As an organisation, we are wholeheartedly committed to this plan because we recognise the urgent need to safeguard the planet for those future generations that we invest heavily in; to give them a healthy place to live in and protect the future of our sport. Our strategy does not look at our School in isolation: we are using our unique position as educators to create a positive impact across the whole industry. This year we are launching a sustainability in racing education module which will be accessible to all those learning, and working, within British horseracing.

The School continues to be determined to make the sport of British horseracing a better reflection of our diverse society. As a gateway to the industry, we have an important role to play in this area and our partnership with the Riding A Dream Academy is only one example of our proactive commitment to this vision. We are now implementing a series of pathways to further increase accessibility and are working in multiple partnerships to ensure the opportunity is there for young people who need it the most.

Ways to get involved

Donate

On our website: www.brs.org.uk/supportus or contact Katrina ArcherRand, Head of Fundraising: katrina.archer-rand@brs.org.uk / 01638 501 817

Volunteer

To discuss volunteering opportunities contact Carol Bramhill, HR Director: carol.bramhill@brs.org.uk / 01638 501 820

Rehome one of your racehorses with us

If you own a racehorse that is approaching retirement, you can discuss giving them a second career in teaching with Zoe Hammond: zoe.hammond@brs.org.uk / 01638 501 820

Leave us a gift in your will

Create a legacy for young people and ex racehorses for generations to come.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who supports what we do; to everyone who donates to our work, the owners who donate their horses, the people who give up their time to volunteer, the schools and charities who work alongside us, the employers who give our graduates opportunities to kick start their careers, to parents for putting their faith in us to help their children harness their potential, our Trustees who give up their time to steer the strategic direction of the School, our young people for working so hard, and our staff who work tirelessly every day to support young people and look after our horses to the highest standard. We have a lot to celebrate this 40th anniversary year, thanks to you!