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2023 Annual Report
Category: Industry News
Interview with Edward Gillespie as he retires from 10 years of Chairman of the Pony Racing Authority
What are the biggest changes you have seen during your chairmanship?
“Primarily, the PRA is the regulatory body that looks after what you might call ‘the small print’ that allows the widest possible participation in the sport of Pony Racing. Thanks to the immense work of those who came before me, we have needed to make remarkably few changes. Instead, we have been able to drive the sport forward, developing activities at all three levels of competition and broadening the appeal through Academies and Taster Days. Keeping the sport going through periods of equine flu and the pandemic has been a terrific achievement and a credit to both the Executive and to the flexibility and commitment of riders and supporters.
What are the main challenges you see facing pony racing?
Keeping Racecourses ‘onside’ for the Dragon (TV & Film) Series will continue to be a challenge. Racecourses are incredibly generous with their facilities and supply of Officials and Medics. We need to reward that by delivering attractive races in terms of quality and quantity of runners. That’s why our new handicapping initiative was introduced; a reminder that racing over many centuries has relied on that means of ‘levelling up’.
Tremendous progress is being made with establishing Academies, particularly since the PRA was asked by the Racing Foundation to lead the ‘Pathway into Horse Racing through Pony Racing Project’ with other organisations focussed on attracting and retaining young people into Racing. I am really excited for the future with where many of these are located, in what have been ‘cold spots’ for the sport. In every case, we depend on the enthusiasm of a few individuals who see the benefits of what we are offering. Our aim is to help Racing truly reflect the nation – how it looks, talks and feels. That requires recruitment from a wide range of communities for jockeys, coaches and administrators.
What was your favourite moment during your Chairmanship?
There have been so many for me over the past ten years, on and off the track. Seeing Tom Marquand, who happens to come from the village where I live, and Hollie Doyle achieve national recognition has been wonderful. PRA Graduates now dominate Jump Racing and I celebrate every big win they achieve. Following Benoit de la Sayette’s journey right from the beginning to seeing him carve through the field in the Victoria Cup at Ascot was very special. He has shown that life is seldom straightforward and succeeding in sport brings with it immense challenges that can be overcome by having the right support group.
What’s next?
I am delighted Simon Claisse will be taking over from me as Chair. Simon and I formed a fun partnership as Chief Exec and Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham for a decade and I know he will bring expertise, energy and fresh ideas. We have a fantastic Board and Excecutive. I wish them all possible success.
For me, my other role which can continue for a few years, is as Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, The Queen’s representative in the county. That takes me racing occasionally and brings me into contact with many people who share my passion for horses.
Spotting Champions & making racing more accessible
PRA CE Clarissa Daly speaks to the Horse & Hound Magazine.
Pathway into Racing through Pony Racing Administrator Role
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Administrator to join an ambitious new initiative to formalise a pathway into Racing through Pony Racing. The initiative, which has secured Racing Foundation funding for the next 5 years, is spearheaded by the Pony Racing Authority and brings together activities delivered by partners including Racing to School, the Pony Club, Careers in Racing, the British Racing School and the National Horseracing College.
The goal of the 5-year collaborative strategy is to align the activities delivered by each of these organisations as part of a formal pathway, and to maximise their impact. It will build on the great progress already being made to train and develop jockeys and racing staff of the future.
The role is funded for one day a week and is ideal for someone self-employed, who can work from home and is looking to add their portfolio of work. The role offers a great deal of flexibility, as well as the opportunity to help shape the pathway into racing for the next generation of jockeys and racing staff.
Applications close on 16th October 2020.
Please click below for further information and how to apply:
Racing Foundation funding boost for pony racing activities to create a “formal pathway” into racing
- £180,000 per year awarded for 5 years (2021-2025) to develop a formal pathway of activities as a progressive route into the racing industry. (see diagram attached)
- Delivery to be overseen by the Pony Racing Authority, in collaboration with Racing to School, the Pony Club and Careers in Racing.
- To include the expansion of activities such as pony racing academies, pony racing training days, engagement with Pony Club branches and centres and working with inner-city riding groups.
- To improve diversity and inclusion by engaging with youngsters from a wider range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
The Racing Foundation and Pony Racing Authority (PRA) are delighted to announce multi-year commitment to the development and delivery of a formal pathway into racing through pony racing.Over the past 13 years, pony racing has introduced hundreds of young people to racing, many of whom have progressed into roles as professional jockeys, amateur jockeys or have gone on to work in yards and on studs.
Historically, a wide range of activities have successfully been delivered by a number of organisations working independently so the development of this 5-year collaborative strategy aims to align activities as part of a formal pathway and to maximise their impact. It will build on the great progress already being made to train and develop jockeys and racing staff of the future.
The pathway strategy will involve direct collaboration between delivery partners, including the Pony Racing Authority, Racing to School, the Pony Club, Careers in Racing, the British Racing School and the National Horseracing College, and will include the expansion of activities such as :
- Pony Racing Academies for youngsters with no link to racing and no pony of their own
- Pony Club camp visits, training days and pony racing days.
- Taster sessions and ‘Buzz’ days.
- Careers advice and further training.
- Training of pony racing instructors.
- School visits and recruitment fairs.
- Stand-alone pony racing days.
- Development of track and trace systems to follow the progression of youngsters into racing.
- There will also be a specific focus on increasing diversity and inclusion among pony racing participants by engaging with youngsters from a wider range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The PRA has already established links with inner-city groups in London, Gloucester, Liverpool, Banbury, Leicester and Worcester but aims to widen this remit by reaching new audiences in other Pony Club Centres (for members who do not have their own ponies) and inner-city riding schools.
Some of the activities have been developed in response to a study commissioned by the PRA to look at barriers preventing youngsters from engaging and participating in pony racing. The pathway’s focus on diversity and inclusion aligns with the racing industry’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and more widely with the development of youth engagement schemes by other sports.
Racing Foundation funding will support activities until the end of 2025 and will include an independent evaluation of progress and impact at the end of 2022.
Clarissa Daly, CEO of the PRA, said:
“We are very excited to be part of this historic strategy. For the first time, racing will have a recruitment plan for its Junior League. Introducing young people from all backgrounds, making it possible for them to participate in pony racing will benefit racing in the long term.”
Tansy Challis, Grants Manager at the Racing Foundation, said:
“The Racing Foundation has funded several activities over the past few years that have engaged with youngsters to raise awareness of the racing industry and the career opportunities it offers. Response to pony racing activities, in particular, has been very positive and we are delighted to be supporting the delivery of a more formal pathway into racing that will see stakeholders working together to align activities and increase their impact. The focus on inclusivity and diversity is especially important to protect the future of the sport and we believe that pony racing will provide the ideal conduit for a youth engagement programme that will shape the jockeys, racing staff and racing supporters of the future.”
Marcus Capel, Pony Club CEO, said:
“The Pony Club is excited to continue working with this partnership to develop its Pony Racing offer and thankful to the Racing Foundation for its continued support. The offering provides members with the chance to dip their toe in to the world of racing through to competitive races, from here they can progress to offer a coach to those interested through Continuous Professional Development sessions. We look forwards to more members and coaches getting involved in the sport from Branches and Centres alike.”
Charles Barnett, Pony Club Pony Racing Committee Chairman, said:
“The Pony Racing Committee would like to thank the Racing Foundation for their continued trust and support on our joint venture. We are very excited to work on increasing participation in the Sport being offered by the Pony Club and plan to provide our members through Branches and Centres with the chance to try Pony Racing. We look forwards to seeing the pathway for young people to progress in racing in action and them moving through the organisations to enjoy racing, either as a sport, hobby or career.”
John Blake, Chief Executive of Racing to School, said:
“Racing to School is grateful to The Racing Foundation for providing long-term funds for this partnership programme, which will offer new, practical opportunities for young people. Our existing Riders’ Programme has evidenced the potential for this work, and taught us how best to engage with young equestrians; there is an openness to learn about racing as an alternative to other, perhaps more familiar equine sports. This new structured programme led by The Pony Racing Authority can only build on this work and that of the other specialist partners.”
Zoe Elliott, Head of Careers Marketing and Recruitment, British Horseracing Authority, said:
“Developing this strategy has been a real collaborative effort, and as a team we have really focussed on how we will work together to deliver these opportunities for young people. So often racing can seem out of reach to many; but these initiatives will take access to racing straight into the heart of communities and groups giving them a chance to participate. By getting involved young people will both have the opportunity to increase their skills but also the confidence to see that racing welcomes them as a sport they could be involved in for life; either as a fan, participant or employee”.
Notes to editors:
- The pony racing progression pathway can be viewed here.
- As of July 2020, 179 pony racing graduates hold a licence to ride in the UK, of which 149 currently hold BHA licences: (including 8 Professionals on the Flat; 19 Professionals NH; 24 Apprentices; 25 Conditionals; 23 Cat A). Pony racing graduates include a number of high-profile jockeys such as Hollie Doyle; Tom Marquand; Megan Nicholls; Sam Twiston-Davies; Harry Cobden; Josephine Gordon; Charlie Bishop; Sean Bowen; Rex Dingle; Jonjo O’Neill Jnr; Tyler Heard and Bryony Frost.
- In 2019, 340 taster days were delivered; 331 youngsters participated in pony racing training; 437 youngsters rode in a pony race; 14 pony racing graduates went on to hold BHA jockey licenses.
- To date, over 100 youngsters have taken part in pony racing academies across 28 schemes and over 50% went on to ride in a second race. 21 academy graduates now work in the racing industry.
- The Racing Foundation was established in January 2012 by the British Horseracing Authority, the Horsemen’s Group and Racecourse Association, as a charity, to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within racing following the sale of the Tote. We are registered with the Charity Commission under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297). Our purpose is to make a difference in racing by acting as a catalyst and a funder of improvement. The Trustees of the Racing Foundation are Ian Barlow (Chairman), Linda Bowles, Susannah Gill, Mark Johnston, Louise Kemble and William Rucker. Since inception, the Racing Foundation has granted over £20million to charities associated with the horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding industry in the UK, supporting work in social welfare, education and training, horse welfare, equine science research, and heritage and culture.
- The Pony Racing Authority has particular responsibility for integrity and safety. The PRA governs the sport at the grass roots Point-to-Point level as well as the prestigious Racecourse Series. The PRA works closely with the Pony Club to support entry level pony racing via the Pony Club Race Days. We also work closely with the Pony Club to organise pony racing training.Shareholders of the PRA are the Racecourse Association, The Jockey Club, the Point-to-Point Secretaries Association and the Master of Foxhounds Association. Representatives from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and The Pony Club also sit on the PRA Board in observer positions. The PRA is a company limited by guarantee and all money raised by the PRA is invested into Pony Racing.
- The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929, and granted independent charitable status on 1st January 1997, there are around 345 Branches and 480 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners. The Pony Club currently offers nine sports to its members including Pony Racing, this sport offering is achieved through educational work (Achievement Badges), training and competitions which are held at prestigious racecourses.The objectives of The Pony Club include encouraging young people to connect with horses and riding through all kinds of sports, horsemanship, welfare of the equines in members care, teaching members citizenship, sportsmanship and other ideals.
- Racing to School is a registered charity responsible for the development and delivery of racing-related education programmes. Delivered free to schools at racecourses, studs and trainers’ yards across the UK, Racing to School’s lively approach supports children and young people by demonstrating a practical application of a range of National Curriculum subjects and sparking a knowledge and understanding of the sport of horseracing. Since 2016 the charity has also delivered the Riders’ Programme, which encourages young people who already ride and/or have an interest in another equine discipline to consider racing as a possible career route. The charity ran over 370 events in 2019, engaging more than 15,000 beneficiaries.
- Careers in Racing is the central careers marketing and recruitment brand for British racing run by the British Horseracing Authority. The team implements recruitment initiatives and marketing campaigns to promote racing careers and pathways to a range of audiences from school age to those looking to change careers.
Congratulations – Jonjo O’Neill Jnr is crowned Champion Conditional for 2019/2020
Huge congratulations to #pragraduate Jonjo O’Neill Jnr. Jonjo was crowned champion conditional with 61 winners. Enough to also place him 10th overall in the main jump jockeys’ championship too. He was also 20 winners clear of runner-up and fellow pony racing graduate Ben Jones.
Racing2Learn
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced the launch of Racing2Learn, a new online e-learning platform for anyone involved with the racing and Thoroughbred breeding industries.
The platform, which has been developed over the last 12 months in collaboration with 1st4Sport Qualifications and the wider racing industry, aims to provide a range of flexible eLearning courses that can be accessed remotely.
Some courses are designed specifically for certain job roles within racing and breeding with more generic courses also available. It is free to use for a limited period and once registered most courses are free to access. Some of the areas covered include:
Horse care
Racehorse welfare
Safeguarding
There are also downloadable learning programmes and a calendar of learning and training event. Courses will be updated and new courses added on an ongoing basis.
Each course contains interactive elements and certificates can be achieved which have continuous professional development (CPD) points applied by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Gill Greeves, Vocational Training Manager at the British Horseracing Authority said:
“Today marks the launch of Racing2Learn, a free to use online learning platform designed for all those involved with British racing and breeding.
“Racing2Learn adds an important new feature to the existing comprehensive programme of training and education in our sector. It provides a range of interesting and interactive courses, all certificated and supported by the achievement of CPD points.
“It is our hope that at this challenging time the platform may be of use for people who wish to continue their individual learning and development through remote access to an ever increasing range of courses.”
The platform has been communicated to those working within racing and breeding through their representative organisations, and further information will be available via dedicated social media channels on an ongoing basis.
Click here to access the Racing2Learn website.
