British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme

Final year Sport Journalism BA(Hons) student, Jack Haynes, on his graduation path:

“On a typical Saturday on January 10, when I normally settle down and watch the afternoon’s racing, I stumbled across an advertisement on Twitter for the British Horseracing Authority’s graduate scheme.

It was simply by pure chance that I became aware of the scheme, and with just 24 hours remaining before the closing date, I assembled some sort of an application, including a cover letter, CV and statement on why I would be suited to the scheme.

“Although I have managed to spend time at some of the sport’s top media outlets over the past two summers, I was far from confident about progressing to the interviews, so I was delighted to hear I had made the cut from 250 to 36 a month later.

“Travelling down to the British Horse Racing Authority’s head office in High Holborn on February 20, the nerves started to kick in, yet there was also a tinge of excitement at what the day might bring.

“On arrival, it was great to meet the other seven applicants who were there on the assessment day, which was one of four that were held over that week. They were a friendly and impressive bunch that had travelled from afar, including one girl who had come all the way from New York. Now I knew the pressure was on!

“The assessment day included a maths test (which went horribly), a comprehension/English language test and a 45-minute interview, both of which I felt went well.

“After completing a short group task where we had to organise a racecourse’s preparation for a race day and present our decisions to the rest of the group, I left Holborn in hope.

“In what seemed like an age, I finally heard back yesterday and thankfully it was good news.

“In June, just after the Sport Journalism course finishes, I head to the British Racing School in Newmarket for two weeks to take a quick course covering all aspects of the industry, including a variety of guest lectures and day trips, which will provide a great opportunity to make many contacts.

“Then, in July, I start a two-month placement at the Racing Post, where I will be working in their head office in Canary Wharf and desperately trying to impress so that they can’t afford to let me go.

“I’m so pleased and very fortunate to have secured my place on the scheme and hope it will lead to a successful career following my time at the university.”