William Kennedy looks at the growth of the Horse Racing Societies in our third level colleges

THIRD level student led initiatives within the racing industry have resulted in a much greater involvement of the student community in the industry over the last number of years.

Irish universities and other third level college racing clubs have become a nationwide phenomenon and are going from strength to strength.

I’ve witnessed this first hand as a UCD Business and Law student and an active member of our racing society. This growth in numbers was evident this year in UCD where the Horse Racing Society hit an all-time record of 502 new members recruited during freshers’ week resulting in the society being upgraded to the status of a medium society.

Membership of UCD Horse Racing Society allows students an opportunity to enjoy horse racing within a student community and avail of opportunities to broaden their knowledge of the industry.

Successful and interesting events hosted by the UCD club include the hugely popular Spin 1038 Student Race Day in which the club raised €2,500 for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund in 2015.

The annual Cheltenham Preview Night of 2015 hosted one of the most entertaining and informative panels to date and included racing personalities such as Bryan Cooper, Katie Walsh, Jim Culloty and Kevin O’Ryan.

INITIATIVES

This is testament to the innovative approach towards promoting Irish racing carried out by the society. Ongoing initiatives also include the very successful promotion of student attendance at this year’s Champions Weekend in which Leopardstown and the Curragh Racecourse formed a partnership with global racing stable Goldolphin and provided free student entry to the weekend’s fantastic card and a guided tour of Kildangan Stud on race morning.

The Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes of this year was a thrilling contest and a race of real quality which was a huge draw for the student body and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The UCD Horse Racing Society seeks to promote and inform the student population on matters of racing both on and off the track particularly in the area of career opportunities.

One of the many events hosted by the club during the year involved on campus talks from some major figures in the racing industry.

The careers talk I attended last year hosted industry leaders such as Joe Osborne, manager of Kildangan Stud and Darley Ireland, Brian Kavanagh CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, Pat Keogh CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse and veterinary surgeon Meta Osborne.

Each gave some valuable insights into their role and contribution to the racing industry which highlighted the diversity of skills and talents which make up Irish racing.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

A number of opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students are becoming increasingly available to those students interested in a career in racing.

The Darley Flying Start is an international Student Programme which has developed links with established universities and training providers worldwide and delivers and certifies business and equine modules in Ireland, England, Kentucky, Australia and Dubai.

Irish students with third level degrees have been successful applicants over the last number of years. Horse Racing Ireland has also been offering a summer student internship over the last two years allowing for industry experience in the various sectors - marketing, racing department and racecourse management.

The Young Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Apprenticeship Scheme is another emerging scheme for students and young people which involves a year long, fully paid apprenticeship offering candidates the opportunity to partake in various work placements.

The support network for students and young people in the industry is growing, thanks in no small part to the efforts of student racing clubs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Events taking place in the coming weeks for students include the first student race day in Tipperary on Tuesday the 6th of October which promises to be a great day out. This ‘Trip to Tipp’ will no doubt attract a large body of students eager to take a break from their studies and enjoy a day out in the Premier County.

For those who want to venture further afield the grand finale of British flat racing takes place in Ascot’s Champions Day on Saturday, October 17th with free entry for students.

With student racing clubs around the country gearing up for the coming academic year plenty of activities are promised to complement the busy academic life.