The British Racing School trains stars of the future

Kieran Shoemark and Jack Garrity are tackling the British Racing School’s residential four-week foundation course designed to prepare them for a future in the racing industry. Jack says, “It’s definitely helped me on the horse care side of things.” Kieran is likewise enthused: “I’ve ridden out for trainers before and thought I could ride, but I realise that there’s a lot more to it – from stable management to being a horseman.”

Rory MacDonald, the Chief Executive of the British Racing School said, “There’s no doubting that the course is tough, but that’s to help prepare the young people for the realities of racing. We work hard to develop them so that they come out of the course as rounded individuals.” Each day the students ride out the horses, muck out the stables and take part in yard duty, but there are also gym facilities to improve their fitness and classroom work, including maths and English exams to ensure that students have a range of skills.

The course is free and open to anyone aged between 16 and 22 who is keen to work in racing and willing to learn. And, while Kieran and Jack’s experience at other yards means that they’re eligible for the intensive four-week course, the alternative nine-week course is perfect for those who are complete beginners. What’s more, all participants are guaranteed a job in racing at the end of the course.

You can find out more about Jack and Kieran’s progress by watching their video: www.lovetheraces.com/features/stars-of-the-future/

You can find out more about the British Racing School and the variety of courses that they offer at www.brs.org.uk