There are few more interesting sectors in sport than horse racing for those who are huge lovers of horses. The sector is one of the most important across the world, with millions of people employed due to the sport.
There is something for everyone in the sector, whether that involves being in daily contact with equine stars or whether that involves being part of the day-to-day running of some of the most significant racecourses in the world. But what are some of the best careers in the sport of horse racing that equine enthusiasts could pursue?
Racing Events
There is no shortage of racing events on the calendar, including huge races at tracks such as Cheltenham in the UK or Churchill Downs in USA. The running of some of the biggest events on the calendar sees several passionate fans take up roles as Racing Event assistant. Here, the person employed in the role will take charge of the planning and execution of the events staged at the track.
This includes sourcing caterers and event staff before the day at the track and ensuring that accessibility and safety standards are at a high level. Unlike many other roles in the sport, these are typically entry-level positions, meaning that employees can learn everything that they need to know about the role at one of the most prestigious tracks.
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Grounds Person
There are likely few more important jobs on a day-to-day basis in horse racing than the grounds person. This position is one of the most important tracks across the world, as they will ensure that the condition of the track is maintained while also being safe for racing when the big race days come around.
Grounds people will be in charge of maintaining the surface while working closely with gardeners to mow, water, and fertilize the fields. As well as taking up responsibilities on track, the grounds person may also be in charge of painting things around the course, and cleaning up to make sure that the track looks at its best when welcoming visitors.
Jockey
One of the most popular professions for horse enthusiasts is a jockey. This is typically one of the most challenging careers to pursue, as an individual has to be extremely professional and invest their life into their career. That is down to the strict diets that must be maintained throughout the year while also limiting what is eaten and drank even outside of competition periods.
Jockeys will need to remain calm when traveling at high speeds on horses in races and also be prepared to take big risks in order to make the difference between winning and losing a race. Jockeys must also train hard to improve their conditioning, with extra gym sessions to train abs and legs. After racing, the work of a jockey doesn’t stop, as they will need to assess their performances and speak with connections as to how they plan to improve for future rides.
Veterinary Officer
There are few more important jobs in horse racing than that of a veterinary officer. This position will see an individual in charge of emergency care for the equine stars who are suffering from injuries or have any other health issues. Vets will have hands-on experience with horses throughout the year as they attend to issues that the stars have been struggling with. The main aim is to rehabilitate a horse back to full fitness so that they can get back on track and compete at the highest level.
Vets also have other key engagements that they must follow before racing, as they will inspect the track and check over every potential runner to ensure that they are safe to compete. Key race day commitments include emergency help should a horse suffer an injury in a race, and also testing the blood and completing in-depth forms for each horse on the card.
Grooms
One of the most rewarding jobs in the horse racing industry is that of a groom. Grooms build up a special relationship with horses, as they will spend a lot of time with the equine stars on a one-to-one basis throughout the year. Grooms will ensure that horses look at their best when they travel to compete in races by clipping the coats and treating minor scratches.
Meanwhile, people in this role will also complete minor checks daily to ensure that nothing is amiss with a runner in their career after training every day. In addition to this, grooms will also spend time with trainers and owners, outlining the progress that they have made and addressing any concerns that they may have.
As one of the most rewarding jobs in the industry, grooms will often also lead up horses and take them around the parade rings before races, and they will also get a trophy should a horse in their care win a race.
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