'I want to support the industry' - short course at Glyndwr University launched

Amy Bannister-Bell, owner of Clwydian Stud and a part-time lecturer at Wrexham Glyndwr University, recently made her own contribution to address the staffing shortfall in the racing and bloodstock industries by launching her own short course.

A group of seven students, with experience ranging from equine degree students to students who work in racing, as well as those who had little or no experience of the racing world, took part in a course during July, comprising 36 hours' work spread over six days.

The initiative titled 'An Introduction to Careers in Racing' was designed for people from equestrian backgrounds and focused on the non-ridden part of racing, setting up possibilities for employment in areas such as stud and stable work to racecourse management. It involved a combination of lectures, practical work, stable management, guest speakers, yard visits and tours.

Bannister-Bell said: "Being a part-time lecturer on the equine science and welfare degree at Glyndwr University, I'm always keen to explore new topics for short courses to deliver throughout the year.

"I have always had a passion for horse welfare and the wellbeing and longevity of performance horses, especially racehorses; this, combined with a background in the rearing, producing and rehabilitation of thoroughbreds, led me to want to support the industry I enjoy so much."

She continued: "It's widely known there's a staff shortage in racing and I've always felt a contributing factor is probably the average equestrian not being aware of the scope and opportunities available within racing.”

Credit: Amy Bannister-Bell

The first day of the course involved a welcome at Clwydian Stud, including a presentation by Michelle Douglas from Careers In Racing. A visit to Yorton Farm followed, where bloodstock manager George Stanners talked about his time at Goffs as well as showing the roster of stallions alongside the stud's head, Dave Futter.

Other visits included a trip to Bangor racecourse with general manager Jeannie Chantler and a morning at Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero racing's yard outside Malpas, which involved a tour of the premises and an insight into the management of the horses.

An evening with Heath Equine, a veterinary practice which teamed up with the university for a a lower limb dissection clinic, was another informative session, while Lee Moulson of Racing Pathway spoke to the students about his progression from the racing school to work-rider, jockey, setting up a training establishment and now a position within the business sector in racing.

Bannister-Bell said: "When writing the content and learning outcomes for the course I was very aware of what practical skills are valuable on a racing yard, breaking/pre training yard, stud or sales prep.

"The students were trained and assessed in practical tasks such as loading horses on and off a horse walker, fitting race exercise tack, racing tack, paddock sheets, rollers, exercise bandages and chifneys. They covered performance horse health, feeding and signs of wellbeing."

The course concluded with practical assessments and written coursework before a trip to Chester racecourse, where the students selected the best turned out in one of the races. Bannister-Bell plans to run the course every year, with a residential option to welcome students further afield to the university.

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