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08 Apr 2020 253

Cutting-edge learning and development platform launched for horse racing industry

Racing2Learn is the horse racing industry’s new online learning and development platform, as launched by 1st4sport and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) today (8 April 2020).

The platform aims to educate and upskill anyone involved in the racing industry, encouraging them to be the best they can be, whatever their role.

1st4sport has worked closely with the BHA to tailor it to the requirements of the horse racing industry and it consists of:

  • eLearning programmes; some of which carry CIMSPA endorsed CPD points
  • downloadable learning resources
  • a calendar of key dates, including learning and training events.

This development will help deliver BHA’s long term aspiration of having the ‘most skilled, knowledgeable and welfare-driven staff the racing industry has ever had’. Additionally, to assist the valued and hard-working staff of the racing community, the BHA and the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) have each subsidised access to the platform so that the first 2,000 users will get free access for a limited time.

Registration and access to the eLearning courses and resources is free to anyone who is involved with the racing community, including stable and stud staff, jockeys, trainers, work riders, racecourse staff, vets and those who work in the administration of the sport.

Access the Racing2Learn platform now at racing2learn.com

1st4sport’s Head of Learning and Assessment Services John Clark, said: 

We are thrilled to have been chosen to work on this project with BHA and their partners within the sport of horse racing, and admire their dedication to upskill everyone within their industry, by providing this distance learning provision, which removes barriers to access training for so many people.

BHA’s Vocational Training Manager Gill Greeves, said: 

Racing2Learn is an important new feature to the existing comprehensive programme of training and education that exists in our sector.

“It provides a range of interesting and interactive courses, all certified and supported by the achievement of CPD points, and we hope at this challenging time, people will embrace the opportunity to continue their individual learning and development through remote access to an ever-increasing range of courses.”

NARS’ Chief Executive Officer George McGrath, said:

As the racing staff’s representative body, we are determined that our members have the same access to education that every member of society has, and to provide that learning free of charge, where we can.

“We are delighted to have been involved with the creation and development of this platform, widening what we can offer through our Union Learn educational program. With more modules now currently in development this is a great opportunity for staff to take part in courses remotely.”

“Racing needs riders and grooms but it also needs racecourse managers, chefs, stewards, clerks of the course, project managers and many, many more. By accessing the Racing2Learn platform, we can help all racing staff to understand the industry better, as well as help them achieve their ambitions.”

Content on the platform has been developed by the BHA, along with coaches and other experts within the horseracing industry, and offers high quality, relevant and standardised learning.

As well as offering bespoke learning solutions like the Racing2Learn online learning platform, 1st4sport - the awarding organisation of UK Coaching - also offers a wide range of vocational and occupational qualifications within the sport and physical activity sector, including the Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship End-point Assessments.