Oswin...Does Win

Lee attended the BRS upon leaving School in August 07 on Course 210 and graduated in October 07 and returned to the yard of Gary Moore in Brighton, where he had been working weekends following a successful work experience placement.

Lee is a great advert for the Racing School and the support we receive from many trainers and particularly those who are willing to give work experience placements to prospective employees whilst they are still at School. Lee would be the first to say he did not enjoy School and the thought of another nine weeks here may have put him off entry into the industry but once he was here he realised vocational qualification can provide learning and essential skills in a different environment.

Lee gained an exemplary Course Report stating "Lee has produced a good performance. He is committed to learning and improving himself. He cares for his horses and works well about the yard. He has made the most of his opportunity". Many of these comments were mirrored in Gary Moore's submission to the BHA for the awards, praising his reliability and his horse care.

Lee fractured his ankle Christmas 07 and an injury three months in to your first job in racing can affect the confidence of young workers and they can question whether the industry is the right one for them. However, Lee returned to work, completed his NVQ2 in Racehorse Care and is now a regular work rider. Lee's ambition is to lead up at a winner at either the Cheltenham or Ascot and working for the progressive dual-purpose yard of Gary Moore this is a very realistic goal. Lee has also won £3000 to be shared amongst his work colleagues.

Other representatives of the School at the awards included Matthew Hampton, who was a runner-up in the Newcomer award. We found a job for Matt at Philip Hobbs after his nine-week course , (Course 213), and they have been delighted with his work riding skills and feedback in particular. He is a regular rider of Snap Tie and is looking forward to watching him at Cheltenham. Matt hopes to start his riding career in point-to-points and is definitely one to look out for. Matt completed his Apprenticeship In Racehorse Care earlier this year.

Hugh Fraser was a runner-up in the Rider / Groom award. Hugh attended Course 111, back in 1998 alongside current trainer Amy Weaver. His employer John Berry paid tribute to his calm and patient temperament, the enjoyment of his work which he passes on to others, and his support in the development of younger members of staff.

The winner in this category, Claire Knight has also gained an NVQ2 through us.

It is great to see graduates represented not only in the Newcomer categories as you would expect but also in sections for older members of staff. We have many courses for staff of all ages including Head lad/lass courses, Assistant Trainers, Work-Riding courses and NVQs through our Train To Gain programme for Adult learners.