Prince consults on plan to put Forces veterans in racing roles

THE Prince of Wales is exploring plans to help rehabilitate military veterans by training them for jobs in the world of horse-racing, it has emerged.

The Prince, whose Prince’s Foundation supports people and communities, is working on an initiative to translate the skills of the Armed Forces to their second careers, and solve a problem of staff shortages within racing.

In a meeting at Clarence House last week, understood to have been attended by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and British Horseracing Authority chairman Steve Harman, experts were consulted about the scheme.

Mark Carlton-smith, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army was at the meeting, and told The Daily Telegraph: “The Dumfries House opportunity will support veterans and their families to explore second careers in horse-racing; this pilot has great potential as a pathfinder for similar projects.”

Guy Disney, a former Army captain who lost his lower right leg in Afghanistan and this year became the first amputee jockey to ride over Grand National fences at Aintree, said: “It’s exciting to hear about Help for Heroes, British racing and The Prince’s Foundation looking to work together to provide such fantastic opportunities for members of the wounded, injured and sick community.”

The Prince is believed to be considering what could be done at his Dumfries House-based foundation to help. Such a project would tie in with the Queen’s interest in racing, as well as the commitment of the Duke of Sussex to the rehabilitation of injured servicemen and women though initiatives such as the Invictus Games.