Why did you decide to apply for the British Horseracing Development Programme?

I decided to apply because I viewed it as an excellent opportunity to enter the world of Horseracing, as it is my biggest passion and I have been told for as long as I can remember to find a career that combines things you love, then you can enjoy your work.

In 3 words how would you describe your time on the 2-week induction in Newmarket?

Incredible, Insightful, Whirlwind

Who was your favourite guest speaker in the 2-week induction in Newmarket and why?

This is such a difficult question because there were so many. I’m going to give you 2 because I can’t split them! I absolutely love history and particularly the history of this amazing sport, so any of the talks that incorporated this subject really captivated me:

• The two ex-jockeys that spoke to us, Michael and Richard, were so interesting and willing to talk to us about anything. I was really excited to listen to Michael because he has ridden some absolutely incredible horses, and the Hills surname is so huge within the sport. The way that they presented their talk was excellent, there was great banter between the two and when they got asked a difficult question, they were serious and really thought about their answer. Watching the two really gave me a sense that we were in the weighing room with them. It was fascinating to hear these guys speak about their careers and the highs and lows of being a jockey, it really opened my eyes to what jockeys go through to be a key cog to the sport we all love.
• I also really enjoyed the talk from Tom Goff about international investment in British Bloodstock. This was fascinating and it introduced me to a part of the industry that I didn’t even consider. Tom’s knowledge of various stallion bloodlines and also individuals who have poured so much money into the sport was simply amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching videos of some of the greatest stallions racing and then hearing Tom speak about their relatives and how their bloodlines are still active today.

What have you learned from the Development Programme?

I have learned so much from the development programme. However, I’d say that the biggest thing I have learned is to absolutely love my enthusiasm and passion for horse racing. This passion has grown even bigger than it was before the development programme, I am totally consumed by it, which isn’t a bad thing because I love getting lost researching/reading about this incredible sport.

How has your 8-week placement at RCA been? What have you been up to?

It has been so so good. The team here are all just so lovely and knowledgeable that it was a pleasure to spend my time with them. I learned so much in my 8-week placement, which gave me well-rounded knowledge about racecourses and the different things that they have to focus on as sporting venues.

I was given some excellent projects to work on, which all provided different challenges, this helped increase my knowledge in certain areas and master particular skills. I thoroughly enjoyed these tests.

The team also encouraged me to actively pursue days with different people in different roles on racedays. I spent time with clerks, vets, course inspectors and sales teams, with all being excellent insights.

What was your overall highlight of the programme and your placement?

My day with Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course at Ascot. It was Friday of the King George meet, so Chris had to ensure everything was prepared meticulously for the outstanding equine talent that would be competing for such a prestigious prize.

The day started at 6am, where I met Chris at the box entrance. He came in, shook my hand, looked straight at my shoes and started laughing. My trainers were definitely not an appropriate selection of footwear for the 20,000 steps I was about to take round the whole of Ascot’s morning dew covered turf! Squelching or not, I wasn’t going to allow a bit of water to ‘dampen’ my mood, so off we went.

The walk around the course gave me the opportunity to quiz Chris about life as a clerk of one of the most famous racecourses in the world. Chris spoke in-depth about a career which started in 2005, the highs and lows of working such a thankless job, where it is impossible to please everyone. As we walked past the magnificent grandstand and up to the finishing line, I lengthened my stride and pictured all the amazing equine duels which I was following up this historic straight. I was hit with quite an overwhelming feeling of ‘how am I here? What a lucky boy I am to have this opportunity’, I will NEVER forget that feeling.

I guess that feeling is my experience on the development programme in a nutshell. Constantly pinching myself, wondering if this is all actually happening.

The day was filled with these sorts of moments. Watching the races from the incredible viewing point of the stewards’ box, where you could see every part of turf. To having a Coca-Cola with Saudi royalty in the winning connections room. It really helped me realise that the sky is the limit within this industry and that I can achieve anything I want by combining hard work with just being a good person.

Would you recommend the Development Programme and why?

I would absolutely recommend this programme to any fellow horse racing geek. The opportunities I have been granted from it can’t be purchased. It has helped me see my dreams and shown me to use my personal talents to help this magnificent industry. Honestly, if you, like where I was, are a graduate who is unsure about your future and have the slightest interest in horseracing, then apply for this programme. There is no better avenue into the industry, and you will learn so much in the first 2 weeks in Newmarket and then your 8-week placement. On the topic of Newmarket, that is another reason as to why I would suggest this programme. I have never seen a more majestic sight than the strings of horses galloping up Warren Hill. I feel that if everyone could see that, they would fall in love with these amazing animals and this spectacular sport.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to apply for the Development Programme 2025?

Just do it. All you have to do is look at the illustrious list of alumni of the programme to see what this can do for your career. There’s only a certain number of adjectives you can use to describe how incredible the 2-weeks at the British Racing School were, you have to see it to believe it and trust me, you want to see it!

If you are lucky enough to be invited to interviews, just be yourself. Another thing I have learned from this whole process is that horseracing is one big family, everyone looks out for each other and wants to help each other. If you have a passion for this sport then express it, show your enthusiasm, because we all hold that too.

There’s plenty of room for young, talented and passionate racing fans within this industry and being able to work with your passion, to me that’s a no brainer.