The document summarizes feedback from three graduates of the Racing Academy on how it helped advance their careers in horse racing management. Richard Clements credits the Academy with providing useful business skills that helped him become General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse. Sulekha Varma says the Academy improved her confidence and abilities to effectively manage teams through self and performance analysis. Steve Parlett believes the success he's achieved is largely due to impact of the Academy in helping him identify strengths and development areas. All three strongly recommend the Academy to help push careers forward in horse racing management.

1. Where are they now?
“The Academy provided me with numerous useful 'tools' which have undoubtedly helped me progress in to
my current role as General Manager at Carlisle Racecourse. It covers a wide range of key business areas
and teaches you techniques to manage both yourself and other people. It is also a great chance to meet with
peers from within the industry to share ideas and best practice and I would recommend it to anyone seeking
to further their career and personal skill set.”
Richard Clements, General Manager Carlisle Racecourse. Graduate of the 2009 Racing Academy.
“If there was one thing that I wanted to achieve through taking part in the Academy, it was to gain confidence
within my role. The initial assessment was a fascinating insight into how I can work to improve my own
performance and that of my teams. It all takes place under the horse racing banner and with the industry,
and its idiosyncrasies, underpinning each discussion and topic. Midway through my time on the Academy I
stepped into a new role and, as a result of the Academy, found myself equipped with a greater understanding
of what could be achieved through effective management of myself, my teams and tasks. I now have the
skills and tools to analyse and assess situations more effectively rather than always acting on instinct.
I would strongly recommend the Academy to anyone who is looking to push their career forward within the
Racing Industry and looking to gain the skills to improve the performance of themselves and their teams.”
Sulekha Varma, Clerk of the Course, Huntingdon and Warwick Racecourses. Graduate of the 2011 Racing Academy.
“I feel the level of success I have achieved since 2008 is due in no small measure to the impact the
Management Academy had on me, the entire nature of the course has helped in so many every day aspects
of the job I am doing. It challenged me to look harder and deeper than ever before into where my real
strengths are but more importantly focus on the areas of development. I wholly endorse the academy and
what it can help participants achieve, if you do get an opportunity to take advantage of the academy I would
advise you to grab it with both hands.”
Steve Parlett, General Manager Wincanton Racecourse. Graduate of the 2009 Racing Academy.
Endorsed by