The University of Liverpool Management School’s Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA welcomed senior managers from across the horseracing industry to its inaugural cohort of part-time students.
Major industry employers including The British Racing School, Jockey Club Racecourses, Ayr Racecourse, The Injured Jockeys Fund, Kambi Sports and the British Horseracing Authority are all represented.
Leadership and management
The programme is designed for those who want to develop leadership and management skills and enhance their career prospects in the industry. Run in partnership with the British Horseracing Authority and the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the programme provides a higher level industry qualification — it is the only MBA in the world which focuses on the specialised needs of the British and global horseracing industry.
In addition to studying traditional MBA content, students take specialist modules which cover marketing, advertising, sponsorship, event management, bloodstock business management and veterinary issues as they apply to the industry.
Students divide their time between the University’s city campus and Leahurst campus; the latter boasting world class equine facilities. Students also have the opportunity to undertake industry placements and visits to racecourses, studs, training facilities, media companies and companies in the betting industry, with trips to Haydock and Newmarket already planned.
Andrew Braithwaite, new student and Finance Director at the British Racing School, said: “I joined to broaden my knowledge of the racing industry, gain a greater understanding of business and to develop leadership skills. If the first few weeks are any indication, the programme will exceed my expectations on all three counts.”
Emma Marley, new student and Racing Manager/Clerk of the Course at Ayr Racecourse said: “I am confident the programme will allow me to develop the skills I need to further my career and enhance my knowledge of a complex industry. Moreover, it will enable me to be a positive contributor to the sport I love.
“The creation of this programme shows that current industry leaders are paving the way for the next generation and they should be applauded for their foresight.”
Director of MBA programmes Elaine Eades said: “We are delighted that the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA will extend our portfolio of MBA programmes, building on and enhancing our experience and expertise in the sports Industries sector.
“Working in partnership with a range of major stakeholders, we will be able to deliver an innovative – and above all relevant – programme to develop the leadership and management skills within this major sporting and business sector.”
High calibre
Carole Goldsmith from the British Horseracing Authority added: “We’re pleased to have attracted such high calibre candidates from a wide range of industry positions for the first year of the MBA.
“One of the main objectives of the MBA course is to nurture future leaders for the industry across various sectors of the sport. With the individuals involved and world-class resources and teaching available we look forward to the course achieving these objectives and helping to secure a strong future for British Racing.”
For more information about all aspects of the course visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/horseracingmba/ or email Neil Coster on neilc@liv.ac.uk
