British Horseracing Development Programme partners with 10,000 Black Interns initiative

The British Horseracing Development Programme has opened applications for 2026 and announced a new partnership with the 10,000 Black Interns Programme as part of ongoing efforts to attract diverse talent to the racing industry.

Now in its 36th year, the programme targets individuals leaving higher education or possessing equivalent skills, offering them a structured pathway into racing careers.

Participants begin with a two-week residential induction at the British Racing School in Newmarket, featuring industry presentations and visits to key venues including Tattersalls, Newmarket Racecourses and established training yards.

Following the induction, participants undertake placements lasting a minimum of eight weeks with employers across various sectors of the industry, including racecourses, administrative bodies, media organisations and the British Horseracing Authority.

The 2026 partnership with the 10,000 Black Interns Programme represents the first collaboration of its kind for the scheme. Developed by the 10,000 Interns Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on improving opportunities for black people in Britain, the partnership aims to connect interns with relevant work placements aligned to their interests.

Commenting on the initiative, Zoe Elliott, Head of Careers Marketing and Recruitment for Careersinracing, stated: "The celebration of 35 years of the British Horseracing Development Programme was a great moment and it was wonderful to be reminded once again of the enduring impact of this very special programme.

"One thing that came through loud and clear over the course of those celebrations was the way in which the programme has continually evolved over all those years and we are proud to continue in that tradition by partnering with the 10,000 Interns Foundation for 2026 as we look to identify ways to enhance what we do.

"The programme has always been about identifying outstanding potential and showing them everything a career in our sport has to offer. We are always looking for ways to ensure we are searching for those individuals by casting the net as wide as possible and the 10,000 Interns Foundation is a perfect additional partner to help us to do this."

The announcement comes as British racing continues to pursue broader initiatives in sustainability. Last month, the British Horseracing Authority launched a five-year environmental strategy supported by the Racing Foundation, focusing on emissions reduction, water conservation, waste management and biodiversity.

Meanwhile, the sector received reassurance earlier this month when Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that horseracing would be exempt from proposed gambling tax increases, protecting the sport from reforms expected to raise £1bn from other gaming sectors.