Aimee Hockley-Righton, Regional Welfare Manager at Racing Welfare, tells Racing Together how the British Horseracing Authority’s Development Programme opened doors that led to a career supporting racing’s people.

I’m Aimee Hockley-Righton, Regional Welfare Manager for Racing Welfare, covering the east (Newmarket) and south (Epsom/ Lambourn). My role is all about supporting the people who work in the racing industry. From stable staff to stud grooms, racecourse teams, and everyone in between. Racing Welfare is here for them at every stage of life, whether that’s providing practical help, emotional support, financial advice, or opportunities for personal development.

Racing can be a tough and fast-paced industry, and our work makes a tangible difference by ensuring that the people behind the sport feel valued, supported, and able to thrive both in and out of work.

So what did the BHA Development Programme do for me?

The BHA’s Development Programme was a real springboard for my career. It all started with a two-week residential course at the British Racing School in Newmarket (circa 2006), where the group took part in talks, workshops and visits that give a unique overview of the sport. This comprehensive introduction is followed by an industry placement, offering hands-on experience within a chosen area of racing.

It gave me a deeper understanding of the racing industry and connected me with a fantastic network of people across all sectors. The mix of learning, site visits, and hands-on experiences was invaluable. One standout for me was the racing on July Cup day and getting to work with Jockey Club Racecourses as my placement. It really opened my eyes to the variety of roles within racing and showed me how each plays a part in keeping the sport vibrant and sustainable.

Helping day-to-day and in a crisis

I’ve always been drawn to work that has a real human impact. My move into the charity sector came from a desire to combine my knowledge of the racing industry with my passion for supporting people. What motivates me most is knowing that our work can change someone’s life for the better. Sometimes this help comes in small ways that boost day-to-day wellbeing, and other times in ways that completely turn things around during a crisis.

The most rewarding moments are often the quiet ones — when someone tells you that your support helped them feel less alone or gave them the confidence to take the next step. I’ve seen people go from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to regaining their sense of purpose and self-belief. It’s also incredibly levelling to be part of our critical incident team, where you see first-hand the camaraderie and resilience of the racing family.

Why a career in racing offers the chance to make a real difference

My advice is to say yes to every opportunity to learn, connect, and get involved. The BHA Development Programme is one of those opportunities and is a unique chance to see the industry from all angles — so if you get the chance, make the most of it. Relationships are everything in both racing and the charity sectors, and it is vital to  invest in building genuine connections. And don’t be afraid to take your career in new directions — the skills you build in racing can open doors in so many different areas, especially in roles where passion for the industry meets a drive to make a difference.

To learn more about the role of Racing Welfare visit here.

The BHA Development Programme is now in its 35^th year and many alumni are working across the sport, including in senior leadership roles. Details and applications can be found here: https://careersinracing.com/course/british-horseracing-development-programme/