Former BRS Student Seb Sanders is Champion Jockey

We are therefore very proud of the success of 1988 graduate, (and 1995 Apprentice Champion), Seb Sanders in this year's Flat Jockey's Championship and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Seb and his team. We cannot lay claim to teaching Seb how to work his magic around Brighton and we haven't worked tirelessly and imaginatively like his agent Keith Bradley to secure his 190 winners. However, we hope that something in that nine-week course and the support available afterwards has helped him along the way and laid the foundation stones for his career.

Fellow member of Course 27, Jason Weaver is the only jockey to have ridden 200 winners in a season not to have won the title and we have an impressive team of current jockeys who have been through the Foundation Course that clearly show the merits of the course. Steven Drowne, Paul Hanagan, Royston Ffrench, Tom Eaves, Sam Thomas, Wayne Hutchinson, Paul Mulrennan and Saleem Golam have all taken this route into the industry.

There are so many aspects to the nine-week course and NVQ2 qualification that can hold a graduate in good stead for a career in the industry. Obviously we can teach learners to improve their riding and correct their mistakes in a safe and controlled manner, with resources such as video reviews and simulators and 53 'spare' horses that no trainer would have the time or capacity to devote to you.

We also provide lectures and training on many aspects of racehorse care, giving any applicant a thirst for knowledge and a greater employability in the industry as well as a fuller appreciation of the different career routes the sport can offer. We also pride ourselves in instilling a work ethic that is clearly evident in Seb's approach to the title.

Many of the benefits of the course however can be hidden :- parents tell us their children have grown into independent adults by the end of the course ready for the world of work, (some can even work a washing machine!).

We guarantee a job in the industry for every graduate and we have years of experience in judging people's abilities, personalities and aspirations and combining them with our knowledge of trainers in Great Britain who undergo full health and safety vetting checks before any placement. Wherever possible we try to place a learner close to their home environment. Once a trainee is in a yard they receive regular visits from a dedicated local assessor and the first pastoral visit is within three weeks. Having regular contact with a Racing School assessor does so much for retention in the workplace as it eases them into the industry and gives them realistic advice on what is expected of them and guidance on career plans.

How many people working in the industry today would have lasted without the foundation stone of the nine-week course and the subsequent support?