Empentis Training Solutions recently launched a new apprenticeship for stable staff, with former jockey Rhona Pindar recruited to deliver the training.

Now, the Empentis – Training Equine Staff Handicap is to be run for the first time, just ahead of Redcar’s richest race, the William Hill Two-Year-Old Trophy, this Saturday (October 5).

Rhona (pictured) joined Empentis from Karl Burke’s powerful yard after a lifetime in racing. She will be attending Saturday’s popular meeting, talking to trainers and stable employees about how the new Equine Groom Apprenticeship Level 2 (Racing Route) will help overcome challenges with recruitment, retention and staff development.

Empentis Business Development Manager, John Neilson, also has a wealth of experience in the racing industry, having worked for trainers Denys Smith and Howard Johnson, and now as a jockeys’ agent.

He said: “We’ve already seen a great take-up of the new apprenticeship in the first few weeks since it was launched, and sponsoring a race on Redcar’s richest day was a great opportunity to spread the word.

“We were delighted to be able to appoint someone of Rhona’s calibre to deliver the course, and she’ll be on hand to answer any questions trainers or stable staff have about the qualification.”

The 12-month apprenticeship is available to full-time or part-time staff, with employers receiving a £1,000 Government incentive for 16-18-year-olds.

Delivered within racing yards, during normal hours, the training has no impact on the normal working day. Rhona visits participating yards monthly, tutoring learners in modules covering all aspects of life in a racing yard. Each learner is also supported towards functional skills in Maths and English at minimum Level 1.

The Empentis – Training Equine Staff Handicap, run over one mile two furlongs, is scheduled to take place at 2.10pm, half an hour before the listed William Hill Two-Year-Old Trophy.

Redcar’s general manager, Amy Fair, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Empentis Training Solutions as a first-time sponsor, and welcome the company’s innovative approach to the personal development of racing staff.

“Stable staff are the unsung heroes of racing and it’s so refreshing to see the launch of an apprenticeship, specifically aimed at horse racing, and delivered by someone with so much experience in the industry.”

In 2019, Go Racing In Yorkshire partnered the Racing Foundation in commissioning a study into the impact of horse racing on the Yorkshire economy. The study concluded that the industry contributed £300m a year to the county’s economy and supported more than 3,600 full-time jobs.

Charlotte Russell, general manager of Go Racing in Yorkshire, said: “Horse racing has a massively positive impact on the Yorkshire economy, so it’s wonderful to see Empentis getting involved in the sport, and investing in the personal development of staff who are at the heart of this great industry of ours.”