Hartpury launches study into staff crisis

A GLOUCESTERSHIRE university which offers specialist horse racing degrees has launched a study into the sport’s stable staff crisis.

Hartpury graduate Elizabeth Juckes is leading the piece of work, which will investigate how satisfied racehorse trainers and staff are feeling about their current roles, wages and worklife balance in the industry.

Through a series of focus groups, the study will quiz participants on how work conditions and staff retention could be improved.

A report for the Racing Foundation compiled in partnership with the British Horseracing Authority identified around a quarter of all permanent posts in yards required recruitment annually, due to staff turnover or growth.

Carried out in 2016, it found that virtually half of vacancies were identified as ‘hard-to-fill’, compared to a national figure of one third.

The Foundation is providing at least a £1 million investment over three years into staff recruitment, skills and retention.

Mrs Juckes, who is carrying out the work as part of a masters degree in Equine Science, said: “There is an opportunity to investigate the ongoing issues within the industry to attempt to capture views and perceptions of the workforce and employers to enable the industry to action these points for its future betterment and sustainability.”

Hartpury’s specialist degrees are driven by industry professionals to enable graduates to succeed in the global horse racing industry.

The BA (Hons) International Horseracing Business and BSC (Hons) Racehorse Performance and Rehabilitation courses provide students with the first-hand experience employers are looking for.

The racing modules are being taught by programme leads with in-depth experience of racing and a wealth of contacts.

They include Saranna Jordan, assistant to 15-time champion trainer Martin Pipe and Fiona Dowling, who worked for Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott.

Students also have the opportunity to use the world-class facilities at Hartpury’s Equestrian Centre, including the Equine Therapy Centre, Rider Performance Centre and a 230-horse livery yard.