About us
Our breeding and boarding services offer the highest possible standard of care and first class communication with our clients. Internationally renowned training facilities give young people entering the industry the best possible start to a career in Thoroughbred breeding. Public tours, run by Discover Newmarket, give the outside world a unique insight into the world of Thoroughbred breeding.
The National Stud has been an integral part of the British thoroughbred industry for over 100 years. Alongside our breeding services we also offer specialist training for stud staff and public tours.
From our 500 acre site on the outskirts of Newmarket, The National Stud aims to provide a comprehensive range of services to the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Our Objectives
The National Stud was acquired by The Jockey Club in 2008, and under this new ownership we have quickly gained a reputation for excellence. Our objectives are simple:
- To provide a first class range of comprehensive breeding services to our clients
- Train the next generation of industry leaders through our stud staff training
- Raise interest and knowledge in the thoroughbred industry with our public tours
Thoroughbred Industry Education
Education is at the core of our business at The National Stud, where we have been training industry leaders for over 30 years.
The Education team runs two annual residential courses. Both are tailored to provide students with the industry knowledge and practical training required for a successful career in the international Thoroughbred industry.
The qualifications we offer are accredited by the industry’s qualification awarding body 1st4Sport. In addition to our residential courses, we offer a range of qualifications which can be delivered and assessed in the workplace. If you are working in the stud industry and would like to gain formal recognition of your skills, get in touch to discuss the options available.
The National Stud works closely with a number of partners to ensure our Education programme is in line with industry developments and accessible to all. These include The Horserace Betting Levy Board, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, The Racing Foundation, and the Wavertree Education Trust.
Full Time Courses
JANUARY TO JUNE – THE NATIONAL STUD DIPLOMA
The National Stud Diploma is a comprehensive introduction to a career in the thoroughbred bloodstock industry. Students work alongside stud staff during the breeding season to hone their practical skills and gain a fuller understanding of all areas of stud work. Regular evening lectures cover everything from veterinary practice and stallion selection to marketing and the business elements of stud management. The National Stud Diploma is recognised worldwide throughout the bloodstock industry. Students benefit from our international connections and have regular mentoring sessions to help guide them in the next steps in their career. In addition to the Diploma students also graduate with a Level 3 Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud Practice accredited by 1st 4 Sport.
JULY TO December – THE ENTRY TO STUD EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME (Level 1 and 2)
The Entry to Stud Employment Programme is fully funded by The Racing Foundation and delivered by The National Stud. The course began in 2018 and provides practical work-based training for individuals who wish to pursue a career in the Thoroughbred industry but are lacking relevant experience. The residential Level 1 programme takes place over six weeks and teaches students the basics of horse handling and husbandry. The Level 2 is a 9 week residential course and consists of practical work-based training supported by lectures and trips. On completion, students who have achieved the required standard will have an interview for a minimum 6-9 month paid position at a UK Thoroughbred Stud Farm to gain further experience and complete the industry recognised Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Racehorse Care (Breeding Option). All qualifications are accredited by 1st 4 Sport.
Additional Courses
EVENING LECTURE PROGRAMME
The programme consists of 40 lectures covering everything from The Reproductive Cycle of the Mare and Neonatal Foal Disease to An Introduction Pedigrees and The Role of the Bloodstock Agent.
STUD ADMINISTRATION COURSE
The bi-annual three day programme includes lectures from industry experts, including professionals from the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Weatherbys, Newmarket Equine Hospital, the bloodstock sales team at Tattersall’s and The National Stud’s Nominations Manager and Stud Office Manager
LEVEL 3 AWARDS IN TRANSPORTING HORSES ON SHORT AND LONG JOURNEYS
Developed in partnership with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), this award provides a benefit to learners who already work with horses and require a qualification to enable them to transport horses journeys exceeding 8 hours. The qualification will give the learner the skills and knowledge required to transport horses safely and legally as either an Attendant or Attendant/Driver.
LEVEL 4 LEARNING PROGRAMMES
Self-study programmes designed to build on a learner’s knowledge and skills gained from previous qualifications or work experience. These are specific to particular vocational areas of work.
- The Management of the Thoroughbred Stallion
- The Management of Thoroughbred Breeding Operations
- The Management of the Purchase and Sale of Thoroughbred Horses
- Managing Staff Recruitment, Training and Retention in Horseracing
WORK-BASED QUALIFICATIONS
The Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care (Breeding Option) and Level 3 Certificate in Thoroughbred Stud Practice are accredited by 1st4Sport, both can be delivered and assessed in the workplace.
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Jockey Club Careers
The Jockey Club offers a fantastic range of careers and benefits for all employees and believes diversity and inclusion is fundamental to The Jockey Club and the future of horseracing. Hear what some of our employees are saying about their experiences!
Career Areas
The National Stud
Our thoroughbred breeding, boarding and educational arm in Newmarket provides stallion services, seasonal and permanent boarding, foaling, sales preparation, selling facilities, world-class education and public tours.
Racecourses
A diversified portfolio of 15 racecourses locations in the UK.
Racing Welfare
The Jockey Club's charity offers support and guidance to racing's people in need. Through a nationwide network, the charity helps the unseen army of dedicated staff whose work is vital to British racing.
Jockey Club Estates
The Group's property and land management arm is responsible for more than 5,000 acres of land, including more than 3,000 acres of world-class racehorse training grounds and The Jockey Club Rooms.
Jockey Club Catering
Creating brilliant restaurant experiences and wonderful events at Britain’s most iconic racecourses. From a range of fine dining experiences, hospitality boxes, bars, restaurants, cafes, weddings, conferences, parties and events.
Find out more
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