Hartpury University is thrilled to announce that four of its exceptional soon-to-be-graduates have been awarded coveted places on the highly competitive British Horseracing Development Programme. This prestigious opportunity will see the graduates based at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in London for a year, where they’ll contribute to the future of the horseracing industry.
The British Horseracing Development Programme, which has been running for more than 30 years, is renowned for providing a platform for talented individuals to excel in the sport and its supporting industry. The programme commences with a comprehensive two-week residential course at The British Racing School, followed by a year-long placement. It has been designed for candidates with degrees and equivalent skills who are seeking to forge a successful career in the horseracing industry. Many of the programme’s alumni have established careers in a wide range of roles including management positions at racecourses, broadcasters, the trade press, bloodstock sales and at the BHA itself.
Among the four successful candidates from Hartpury University is Aleksandra Siwik, who is among the first cohort of graduates from the BSc (Hons) Equine Behaviour and Welfare programme.
Aleksandra said: “The support from my lecturers has been invaluable in enabling me to shape a career path that engages with the challenging yet progressive landscape of equine welfare. My time at Hartpury University has enabled me to build both specialist and transferable skills, providing a unique perspective that I hope will significantly help me to make a valuable contribution to the BHA.”
Victoria Charnock-Crawford, graduating from the BSc (Hons) Equine Science, has also secured a place on the programme alongside Amberley Sharp and Eve Nicholls who will both graduate from the BA (Hons) International Horseracing Business.
Amberley said: “I can’t wait to begin my journey with the programme where I can apply the invaluable insights and skills gained from Hartpury University. I’m looking forward to contributing to the future of horseracing, which I am deeply passionate about.”
Having students accepted from three different Hartpury University degree programmes underpins the institution’s commitment to welfare-led education and preparing industry-ready graduates.
Eve’s journey is noteworthy given her background with no links to horseracing, instead using one of Hartpury University’s highly regarded racing degrees as a pathway into the industry. This highlights the University’s commitment to lowering barriers into horseracing careers and ensuring course content caters to students from all backgrounds. In addition to the BA (Hons) International Horseracing Business, Hartpury University also offers a BSc (Hons) Racehorse Performance and Rehabilitation.
Laura Friend, Lecturer and Programme Manager at Hartpury University added: “The 2023/ 2024 academic year saw the largest intake for the two racing degrees at Hartpury University since they were launched. The 2024 intake for the BHA Development Programme celebrates the third consecutive academic cohort from which a racing student has successfully achieved a place. Therefore, we’re pleased that the racing programmes are not only growing but that they’re helping graduates get closer to their career aspirations”.
Equine at Hartpury University
Hartpury University and Hartpury College have a formidable reputation for excellence in equine education at the college, undergraduate and postgraduate level. Graduate employability is high (97% of graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity, according to Graduate Outcomes 2023), and the University received a triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).
