THE race is on to establish a £700,000 centre of excellence to encourage and inspire young people to pursue careers in the racing industry and cure an ongoing staff shortage.

The centre is being set up at Askham Bryan College near York and will involve trainers and industry experts from across the North.

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) and the Racing Foundation have joined forces to launch it. The centre will see the development of a purpose-built racing yard, including all-weather gallops, outdoor school, 16-box stable block and other facilities at the College’s York campus.

The investment includes a pledge from the Racing Foundation towards the costs of the all-weather gallops and racing yard. Organisers say it will bring a new element to training the College’s 300 equine students, providing a range of racing-related courses at all levels, including stable staff, work riders, racing secretaries, sports turf management, pony racing, point-to-point jockey training and there will also be a PhD course.

The Racing Stream has got local and industry-wide support and a Racing Technical Advisory Committee has been set up at the College to steer its development with support from industry leaders and many northern based trainers including Mark and Deirdre Johnston, from Middleham, with Mrs Johnston joining the Committee.

Liz Philip, executive principal of Askham Bryan said: “This is exciting and extremely significant, not only for those with the dream of a career in racing but for UK racing as a whole. It is hugely encouraging that our vision has been recognised so enthusiastically by the industry and beyond. The opportunities for young people are enormous, it will provide the skills and training needed to get that first foot on the racing ladder.

“We are perfectly placed to help respond to the skills shortages reported by the BHA, not only is the region renowned for first class racing, but our York campus is ideally situated between Malton and Middleham, the two main centres of racehorse training in the North. In addition, we already have strong links with industry, our equine courses are thriving, and we are the only UK college to have a point-to-point course on campus. “

Rob Hezel, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation said: “We are delighted to be supporting this and welcome the additional training capacity it will provide for the horseracing industry. It will complement the existing provision at the British Racing School in Newmarket and the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, and ensure a comprehensive range of training opportunities for those interested in working in racing.”