Exeter Racecourse has launched its acclaimed student ambassador scheme which enables those who are studying to experience a number of different work placements within the racing industry.
The scheme was introduced three years ago to help give students a leg up in racing and now 12 work providers are on board.
New this season is RaceTech, which provides a unique range of technical and broadcast services to the horse racing industry.
Other experience days will be provided by Exeter Racecourse, Richard Linley, senior course inspector for the British Horseracing Authority; the British Horseracing Standards and Education Trust; Racenews, which writes and distribute media releases; Racing UK; Tom Malone Bloodstock, on course bookmakers Jack Bevan & Co; Great British Racing; David Pipe Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse and jockey Nick Scholfield.
Last year’s ambassador Frank Spurway said: “The initiative is superb and gave me a fascinating insight into the various different roles that are available within the industry.
“They were many and varied from working in the office at Great British Racing and Racenews to spending a day at the sales with Tom Malone. It’s such a great opportunity for any student and I’d thoroughly recommended that they apply.”
The ambassador role starts on November 1 and lasts until the end of Exeter’s season in May. Upon completion, they will be given a reference by Exeter’s general manager Daniel Thompson and testimonials from each partner who has signed up for the exciting initiative. The successful applicant will also be expected to promote racing at Exeter to fellow students.
General manager Daniel Thompson said: “It’s fantastic that so many people from within the industry have willingly come forward and we hope the initiative will give students a leg up as they embark on their careers once they leave college or university while encouraging fellow students to come racing. At the very least it should show them the many and varied jobs that are available within the racing industry.”
Ollie McPhail from BHEST said: “BHEST are once again delighted to support Exeter Racecourse’s excellent student ambassador initiative. It’s a great way to both increase awareness of and interest in employment opportunities in the racing industry. Last year’s ambassador Frank Spurway showed great enthusiasm and understanding of the sport and will hopefully now consider a future in it.”
Racenews manager Ben Cox said: “We’re very happy to be involved again. A day in our offices in London offers a real insight into the writing and distribution of press releases on behalf of racecourse as well as a host of other services we offer.”
Paul Metcalf of Jack Bevan & Co said: “We are delighted to come on board again with Exeter's student initiative. We had a lot of fun with last year’s ambassador Frank Spurway. A day with an on-course bookie should prove both entertaining and insightful.”
Students wishing to apply to become Exeter Racecourse’ Student Ambassador, should write, in no more than 400 words, why they think they fit the role, and how they will help promote racing to fellow students.
Please email Exeter Racecourse’s general manager Daniel Thompson daniel.thompson@thejockeyclub.co.uk by October 31.
Exeter Racecourse Student Ambassador 2016-2017 Work Experience Providers
EXETER RACECOURSE – work experience days at Exeter Racecourse will include a day in the office both with the racing team and conference and events and a racing day, helping in the office and in Winning Connections.
BHEST – Racing to School, run by the British Horseracing Standards and Education Trust, is racing’s education programme offered free to pupils and students of all ages. The successful applicant will be offered work experience days at various racing venues shadowing the trust’s Ollie McPhail as he delivers the programme which enriches the National Curriculum with hand’s-on learning.
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE - A work experience day at the home of jump racing on a raceday.
RACENEWS – based in London, Racenews, writes and distributes media releases for a wide variety of clients including the majority of Britain’s premier racecourses, industry bodies and associations, leading betting entities and other horseracing organisations in the UK and beyond. It is recommended that this work experience day should be taken up in the New Year to experience the build up the Cheltenham Festival.
RICHARD LINLEY, SENIOR COURSE INSPECTOR, BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY – Richard Linley travels the length and breadth of the country inspecting Great Britain’s racecourse. Our ambassador will shadow Mr Linley on a typical day inspecting a racecourse.
GREAT BRITISH RACING – a day in its London office. Great British Racing is the sport’s official marketing and promotional body, working with all of racing’s stakeholders. Must be taken before the Cheltenham Festival.
NICK SCHOLFIELD – spend a day with top jockey Nick Scholfield on a typical day at the races, from catching a lift in his car, to watching him ride.
TOM MALONE BLOODSTOCK –Devon-based National Hunt and Bloodstock agent Tom Malone has an in depth knowledge of racing form and pedigree. He buys horses in and out of training, breeding stock, young stock and carries out valuations.
RACING UK – Racing UK provides racing coverage at 34 of Britain’s racecourses. Spend a day with the team and go behind the scenes.
Jack Bevan & Co ON COURSE BOOKIES – gain first hand experience with the betting industry working on course with Jack Bevan & Co. Day to be taken at Exeter Racecourse.
RACETECH – RaceTech provides a unique range of technical and broadcast services to the horse racing industry, as well as the wider public and private sectors.
