Scottish racing academy launched

A new Scottish Racing Academy was formerly launched at Musselburgh today.

The academy, which will be based at locations in East and West Lothian, is a joint-initiative between the Northern Racing College, East Lothian Council and Oatridge College, West Lothian.

Its aim is to offer the opportunity for Scottish school leavers to train for a career in racing rather than have to travel south.

Training will be provided at Oatridge College and at Woodlands Racing Stables, Dunbar (East Lothian).

Graduates will secure permanent jobs in racing after completing their foundation training course at the academy. They will return to either Oatridge, Dunbar or the Northern Racing College, every six months for one week to undertake further training and assessment until they have completed their qualification.

Norman Murray, leader of East Lothian Council, said: “We are delighted to be at the centre of such an exciting new initiative.

“Horseracing is already an established part of the Scottish economy and further growth can only bring long-term benefits.

“I am sure that the academy will be a great success and I am especially pleased that East Lothian will provide a facility which can make such a worthwhile contribution to Scottish racing.”