The role of the BHA Veterinary Officer is, as an equine veterinary surgeon, to safeguard the integrity of horse racing and promote the highest standards of welfare of the Thoroughbred.
They verify the identity of the horses racing, take pre-race and post-race samples and examine horses before and after racing, as required. Providing clinical veterinary expertise, they play a central role in the administration of the Rules and Instructions related to welfare.
Average starting salary
Above National Minimum Wage
Average hours per week
40 hours
Job availability
Low
Experience
Veterinary background needed
Main Duties of a Veterinary Officer
Overseeing a team of Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers (EWIOs) on raceday.
Provide professional input as required to other BHA Raceday teams.
Monitoring veterinary facilities and personnel, as well as the standards of their response and management of injuries at all racecourses.
Responsibility for horse identification, control of infectious disease, clinical examinations, anti-doping/medication control and communication on raceday.
Completing all required reports fully, accurately and maintaining veterinary injury databases within permitted timeframes.
What the role requires
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of animal welfare and Horse Welfare Standards in British Racing.
Thorough knowledge of relevant BHA Rules and Instructions relating to veterinary integrity and equine welfare.
Clinical expertise and confidence in handling Thoroughbreds.
Confident, respectful, and effective communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public, including conflict resolution skills.
Leadership, management, and collaborative team-working skills.
Promotes an inclusive workplace culture in line with BHA Values and Code of Conduct.
Understanding of the structure of the British Horseracing industry, including Rules, Regulations, Guidelines, and key stakeholders.
Understanding of relevant BHA Rules and Instructions, including BHAGIs and BHAOPs.
Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Desirable Skills
Experience applying veterinary integrity and equine welfare standards within a raceday environment.
Ability to build and maintain positive stakeholder relationships across the industry.
Interest in continuous professional development and industry best practice.
Postgraduate equine-specific qualification.
Working Condition
Full-time or part-time hours, including attendance at race meetings on weekdays, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Extensive travel nationally and internationally as required.
Benefits
Salary dependent on experience and level of responsibility.
Accommodation and travel expenses reimbursed in line with BHA Policy.
Significant opportunities for continued professional development and growth.
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