How the Scottish Racing Academy is Giving a New lease of Life to Horse Racing in Scotland – Scottish Business News

By Roger Tuck

Horse racing is one of the most lucrative sectors in British sport, it’s an important part of the British economy with millions of pounds brought into the industry on an annual basis. The success of the sport begins at grassroots level, as racing attempts to create an easy gateway to those looking to get into the sport as their career path of choice. 

There have been countless examples in British racing over recent years of successful pathways into the sport, but few have been as influential as the Scottish Racing Academy. You can find out more about the initiative and the success that it has achieved in this article.  

What is the Scottish Racing Academy?

The Scottish Racing Academy (SRA) was formed in 2019, with the primary aim to enhance education within the sport in Scotland and the north of England. Its primary aim is to nurture talent within the sport from a young age to fulfil the needs of world class trainers and racecourses within the country. 

Retaining talented individuals has been a massive issue for the racing industry, but the SRA plans to educate younger people when it comes to the long-term benefits of being involved in the sport. From the start, the initiative plans to provide learner-based training for those wishing to embark on a career within the sport, while also offering guidance and advice for those already within the sport when it comes to enhancing their knowledge and skills of racing. 

The SRA offers esteemed qualifications for those that look to gain the skills needed within the sport of racing, which are aimed at nurturing talent to create a clear pathway to well-paid jobs in the industry. Such has been the success of the SRA that it has been supported by the Racing Foundation, and the impact of the qualifications have been supported by a number of their most prominent alumni. 

Ethos and Values

The SRA’s long-term aim is to create a sustainable education for those wishing to get involved in the sport, which will be achieved by improving recruitment within racing and improving the skills and staff retention in Scotland primarily. As one of the most esteemed initiatives of its kind, there are a number of standout values that the SRA lives by when it comes to improving the sport of racing in Scotland and the north of England.

The academy classifies itself as caring and respecting of all people, regardless of their upbringing and their skill levels, while also promoting different kinds of learning styles. It is key to empowering younger people to consider working within the sport in Scotland, and valuing the importance of employer contributions to the sport.

As well as this, the SRA will highlight to the best of its ability the sense of fulfilment and enjoyment that individuals can expect to achieve by working within the sport. It enjoys a positive reputation with esteemed colleagues throughout the sport, working hand-in-hand with major racecourses in Scotland and the north of England. This has been achieved with open and transparent communications, and taking a can-do approach to all problems that arise while safeguarding individuals within their care.

Working with Prominent Racecourses

Horse racing is the second sport in Scotland in terms of spectator numbers. Only football ranks higher as a spectator sport. Unlike some other countries around the world, racing is in active competition throughout the year, with flat racing being staged during the summer months and jumps action capturing the attention during the winter. 

Five racecourses have worked alongside the SRA throughout its history, with Ayr, Musselburgh, Perth, Hamilton Park, and Kelso all seeing benefits from the retaining of skilful experts within the racing field. 

These racecourses have generated over £23 million on an annual basis combined, which has helped produce over 180 full time jobs for those that have come through the SRA programmes. 

In total, the programme has helped create pathways to over 50 different paths to a life within the sport of racing, and it has helped create opportunities for young people from varied backgrounds. Gaining qualifications is the quickest way into the sport, and it has helped shape the lives of many Scots and Northerners since 2018.

Let’s not Forget the Fans

Of course it’s almost impossible to talk about horse racing without mentioning the excitement many people enjoy by having a ‘flutter’ on the horses. Corporate entertainment at horse racing, where novice attendees are given expert advice on which horses to back, is now a hugely popular ‘away day’ event for team building or engaging with clients. But for many attending a race meeting or watching on television, following horse racing and placing a bet on the outcome is a passionate and regular event. If that’s what grabs your attention there are lots of opportunities for you to engage in this as a hobby too.

Varied Programmes Available

One of the biggest success stories when it comes to the SRA and its impact on the sport within Scotland and the north is the fact that there are a range of programmes available. 

Those include an assistant coaching certificate within equestrian, which includes two days of practical training and online lessons. Other popular courses available include a NPA SCQF Level 6 within Stable Staff, and National Progression Awards within Specialist Racehorse Care. With a range of options available, it is little surprise that horse racing within Scotland has never looked brighter as it does in this modern day. 

Roger Tuck, the author of this article, is a freelance journalists who writes about sport and the business of sport.