Applications for the British Horseracing Development Programme 2026 are now invited. The British Horseracing Development Programme (formerly known as the British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme) is well known and highly regarded throughout the British Horseracing industry. This Programme, which celebrated its 35th running in 2025, provides an invaluable source of talent to the sport and its supporting industry. It provides participants with valuable employability skills and experience whether they chose to stay in the racing industry or pursue a career elsewhere. The Programme was renamed in 2021 and is now an early careers programme suitable for candidates with Degrees, Higher Apprenticeships or equivalent skills and capabilities.
Background
Horseracing is the second largest spectator sport in Great Britain with 59 racecourses around the country hosting 1,500 race meetings each year and around 6 million people go racing each year. It is no surprise that Horseracing is the largest sporting employer, supporting over 85,000 jobs.
The Programme
This unique Programme starts at the beginning of July with a FREE 2 week residential induction course in Newmarket, a market town in the county of Suffolk, often referred to as the Home of British Horseracing. The course is packed with lectures, tours and visits.
Following this course, is a paid (on or above the National Living Wage or London Living Wage if the placement is based in London) industry placement at various locations within the UK starting immediately and lasting for at least 8 weeks (some are longer depending on the business need) where you can apply the knowledge learnt from the 2 week course to excel in your selected placement. Take a look at the placements that were on offer in 2025. There are usually placements in Marketing, Digital, Journalism and Sales, to name a few.
The placements for 2026 will be confirmed in the New Year and are subject to change.
Is it for me?
If a career in an exciting and high-profile Sport sounds appealing to you, then this Programme may be of interest to you.
Who can apply?
This is an early careers programme suitable for candidates leaving higher education or have equivalent skills and capabilities, who are looking to develop a career in Sport or Horseracing. Candidates who are completing a degree or higher apprenticeship should be in their final year or have finished their studying.
The Application Process
All applicants will be contacted after the closing date which is 28th February 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an Assessment Session late March 2026 at our London offices in Holborn. This will include a one to one interview and some group and individual tasks, all carried out in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Please get in touch with the team on [email protected] if you require an alternative format of the application form or adjustments made to any aspect of the recruitment process.
Culturally, we take pride in the way we work and what we achieve. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment so our people can be their best and we want to attract the best people from the widest talent pool, reflecting the diverse communities that racing serves.
To apply, click on the Apply button to take you to the on-line application form.
Please note that only applications received via the on-line application form will be accepted.
