Racing Welfare’s Careers Advice and Training Service (CATS) invite the industry to nominate individuals for this year’s CATS Personal Development Award.
The Award, which is sponsored by Hartpury University for a second year, recognises the person who has put the most dedication and effort into developing their career in racing after using the CATS service. The judging panel will be looking for someone who has been proactive and taken every opportunity available to develop themselves in the racing industry.
The inaugural prize was won in 2021 by former trainer, David Arbuthnot. David embarked on a remarkable career change to become a counsellor after using the CATS careers coaching service and being awarded a grant by the National Trainers Federation Charitable Trust (NTFCT).
David said: “It was through Racing Welfare I got a chance to speak to a careers coach because I knew I didn’t want to train anymore. I thought about doing consultancy within racing but then after sessions with the careers coach we discussed how I felt about welfare and racing. I suddenly realised I would like to do counselling within racing, to give something back.
“The coaching sessions got me talking about my future and I decided I wanted to do counselling. Thank you so much to CATS and the NTFCT for putting me through my training.”
Catherine Porter, Head of Hartpury University’s Equine Department, said: “It is a pleasure to continue our support of the CATS Personal Development Award for another year. The calibre of entrants for last year’s award were high, and we are very much looking forward to hearing the stories of those nominated this year. Our partnerships with organisations within the horseracing industry allow us to continue to develop qualifications that enhance the career prospects of students at Hartpury and to lead best practice for horses, riders and professionals.”
Nominations for this year’s award close on Friday 30th September. Three finalists will be shortlisted by the judges and invited to a lunch and winners’ presentation at Newmarket Racecourse on Friday 28th October. The winner will receive a trophy and a unique prize relevant to their specific developmental goals.
To submit a nomination, or to find out more about last year’s finalists, visit www.cats-racingwelfare.co.uk/the-cats-personal-development-awards/
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.