PEOPLE OF RACING
The work behind the sport.
A race may last only minutes. Making it happen takes an extraordinary network of people, often working early mornings, late nights, weekends and in all weather to care for horses and keep racing moving.
Behind every runner is a team
Before a thoroughbred reaches a racecourse, people have bred, foaled, raised, fed, exercised, groomed, shod, treated, transported and prepared that horse. At the racecourse another workforce prepares the ground, operates the stalls and delivers the meeting safely. After racing, the work continues.
Stable teams
Grooms, work riders, travelling staff and yard teams provide daily care and exercise, frequently starting long before most people begin work.
Stud & breeding teams
Foaling staff, handlers and stud grooms carry responsibility for horses around the clock, especially during the breeding season.
Horse health
Veterinary teams, farriers and specialists help protect soundness, welfare and performance.
Racecourse teams
Groundstaff, stalls handlers, veterinary staff and operational teams turn a racecourse into a safe sporting workplace.
Riders & trainers
Jockeys, trainers and their teams operate under sporting, physical, financial and time pressures while carrying responsibility for horses and people.
After racing
Retrainers, owners, carers and rehoming organisations help thoroughbreds transition to life beyond racing.
Recognition — and responsibility
People of Racing will celebrate skill and commitment, explain jobs the public rarely sees, and cover welfare, working conditions, careers, retention and access to support.
Current focus: On Your Side
British racing is supporting the Royal Foundation’s On Your Side suicide-prevention toolkit. The BHA is working with Racing Welfare, the Injured Jockeys Fund and others to strengthen support and help racing workplaces recognise warning signs, start supportive conversations and connect people with appropriate help.
Racing’s Support Line: 0800 6300 443 — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Coming: Behind Racing
Our next series will show what it actually takes to make racing happen — following the work behind a racehorse, a stud, a training yard and a race meeting, and identifying the people, hours, skills and responsibilities usually invisible once the horses enter the parade ring.