Equine students at Scotland’s Rural College will be able to specialise in race horse care as part of their course thanks to the creation of a new Scottish Racing Academy.
Scottish Racing, the body which promotes the sport in Scotland, has created the sister organisation to provide courses for students who want to develop their riding skills and gain the appropriate qualifications for a career within the racing industry.
The academy also offers opportunities for those already working in horse racing to upskill and progress their careers.
The Scottish Racing Academy has collaborated with schools and colleges to deliver the qualifications, with pupils in the Scottish Borders able to complete a racing-specific horse care qualification at secondary school before continuing their studies at SRUC’s Oatridge campus in West Lothian or at Borders College.
Thanks to support from the Racing Foundation and the wider racing industry, the academy also offers training for new recruits into horse racing and provides opportunities for current stable staff to gain recognition for their skills or gain additional skills while continuing to work.
Delly Innes, manager of Scottish Racing, said: ‘We are delighted to announce that Scottish Racing’s sister organisation, the Scottish Racing Academy (SRA), is now recruiting for anyone who wants to work in the exciting and thrilling world of horse racing.
‘Scotland is well-known for having some of the most hard-working and dedicated staff in horse racing, and we believe our collaboration with schools and colleges will make it easier for many more people to train for a wide range of career opportunities available in our sport.’
Eleanor Boden, manager of the Scottish Racing Academy, said: ‘All of the qualifications and training opportunities across our courses are delivered by highly skilled and experienced racing professionals who have a passion for transferring their knowledge to the next generation of racing staff, as well as progressing current stable staff employees.
‘We are confident this will have a positive impact on the sport in Scotland as a whole and give individuals the fundamental skills required to enter into, and progress their career within, the wider racing community.
‘We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our new recruits at the start of the academic year.’
Louise Bulmer, programme leader for horse care and equine studies courses at SRUC, said: ‘This is such an exciting opportunity for aspiring racing staff to develop their skills for a successful career in horse racing, in a safe and professional environment.
‘We are thrilled to be working with the Scottish Racing Academy to support students to accelerate their individual development and give them the best education to achieve their individual goals.”
An open day for potential students wanting to know more about the courses on offer from the Scottish Racing Academy is being held at Musselburgh Racecourse on Friday 20 March. If you would like to attend the Open Day, please email: info@scottishracingacademy.scot.
For further information about the Scottish Racing Academy, visit: www.scottishracingacademy.scot or contact Eleanor Boden on 07908 716 564.
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