Young people are being encouraged to ‘kick on’ into a racing career in a new project on Cheshire’s thriving horse racing industry.
‘Racing Through Education’ has been launched by Cheshire Racing Hub to promote careers available in the industry to secondary school pupils, college students and veterinary undergraduates.
The initiative is being led by Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of its rural regeneration strategy.
It is supported by partners Reaseheath College, the University of Liverpool and Chester Race Company.
Reaseheath College is for the first time offering a racing module in its equine courses which has been taken up by more than 40 students.
The message coincides with national publicity about a critical staff shortage in the racing industry.
Project co-ordinator is Sophie Keepax, a Reaseheath higher education equine course manager and lecturer.
Cheshire Racing Hub was formed in 2013 to promote horse-racing as a career among school and college students and to encourage the growth of equine businesses and investment in Cheshire.
It followed research which identified horse racing as a key economic driver within the region.
After a break in funding, the partnership has received a second grant of £13,920 from the British Horse-racing Grant Scheme to continue its work with young people through ‘Racing Through Education’.
Chair of Cheshire Racing Hub Kay Kent said: “Horse racing is growing in economic importance to Cheshire and we are delighted to receive this second grant to highlight the careers opportunities available to young people across the county, from both rural and urban backgrounds.
“It’s important that young people fully realise just how many rewarding jobs are available, not just riding and caring for racehorses but within the support industries such as farriery, veterinary services, equine dentistry and physiotherapy, nutrition and racing administration.
“We will be working with both local and national training providers involved with racing to ensure young people have all the information they need to take their first steps into a racing career.”
(Pictured: Sue Griffith, Sophie Keepax, Dr Jan Birch, Dr Ellen Singer, Jeannie Chantler, Oliver Greenall, Kay Kent, Sean O’Connor, Carrie Ford, Ellie Morris)
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