35th British Horseracing Development Programme Set

The 35th British Horseracing Development Programme will begin on 30 June 2025, continuing its role in providing horse racing career-building opportunities for early professionals with a strong interest in the racing industry. This long-running initiative remains one of the most consistent avenues for introducing new talent to British racing.

Eighteen selected participants have secured places in this year’s group. They will take part in a structured schedule starting with a two-week residential course in Newmarket. The location, often considered the centre of British horseracing, will offer participants access to key sites including Tattersalls, Newmarket Racecourse, Dalham Hall Stud, and several established training yards.

During the induction period, the speakers from across the sport will share practical insights on various industry sectors. This portion of the British Horseracing Development Programme allows the participants to learn how different areas operate, including racing administration, media, breeding, and regulation. The content is designed to help them prepare for their next phase, which involves a minimum eight-week work placement with selected industry employers.

Each participant will join their assigned organisation for practical training. These job spots cover many zones like race tracks, the British Horseracing Authority, sport news, and key parts of horse race work. In this way, folks aim to gain a full view of the sport’s work field.

Before the placements commence, a special anniversary event will take place at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. Sponsored by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, StarSports, and the Racing Post, the event will mark the 35-year milestone. Former British Horseracing Development Programme participants are invited to attend and join the class of 2025 in recognising the contributions that have helped shape the initiative since its first edition in 1991.

The British Horseracing Development Programme has a proven history of assisting persons to go into permanent positions. Prominent people from former years have since gone on to assume leading industry roles. The list includes Jim Allen, General Manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse, and Ed Chamberlin, lead presenter for ITV Racing, as well as other people like Alan Delmonte and Tom Kerr, Chief Executive at the Horserace Betting Levy Board and Editor of the Racing Post, respectively. Many others are now developing their horse racing careers toward administration, race planning, and breeding.

Zoe Elliott, Head of Careers Marketing and Recruitment at Careersinracing, extended her congratulations to the selected participants and shared her thoughts on the British Horseracing Development Programme’s long-term impact. She said that each year attracts a high volume of applicants, many of whom show considerable potential. While not everyone secures a placement, the British Horseracing Development Programme has helped introduce a wide range of support for those looking to work in the sport.

She also noted the importance of the wider horserace betting community in supporting the initiative. The Speakers, placement hosts, and partner organisations have continued to share time and resources to make the British Horseracing Development Programme productive and meaningful.

The 2025 group shows a wide mix of backgrounds and interests, proving how many like horserace betting as a job path. The setup of the program, from the start class to the next work spots, helps people get to know their job choices better. It also supports the wider aim of bringing new ideas and energy into the sport.

Now in its 35th year, the British Horseracing Development Programme has built a legacy around opportunity, horse racing career development, and long-term industry support. With this year’s participants preparing to begin their journey, the programme continues to reflect the value of structured early horse racing career experiences in shaping the future of horseracing in Britain.