The majority of trainers hold a Combined licence, allowing them to train horses for Flat and Jump races. However, a small percentage holds Jump Only licences and an even smaller number, Flat Only licences.

• There are certain criteria which must be met in order to have an Application for a Trainer's licence considered by the Licensing Committee:
  
  • Either, several years experience in training establishments including a minimum of 2 years in a responsible and senior position preferably as an Assistant Trainer in a successful racing yard;
    
  • Or, a successful track record as a Permit holder [see below] including at least 3 or 4 wins with a spread of horses;
    
  • Or, a successful track record running a Point to Point yard including a minimum of 10 Point to Point / Hunter Chase wins with a spread of horses.
    
• Attainment of NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management.
  
• Attendance on and successful completion of 3 one week courses at the British Racing School: Racehorse Management, Business Skills, Staff Management
  
• Attendance at a one day seminar at Weatherbys.
  

A potential trainer's application should be supported by references, a business plan, leases or agreements for use of the yard and facilities, a successful inspection report of the yard and facilities by the British Horseracing Authority, a financial reference to confirm substantial working capital or overdraft facilities. A licence will normally only be granted to applicants with at least 3 horses in training.

The Committee will then invite the applicant for an interview where he would be expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of racehorses and racing, along with the leadership and management skills required to run a successful business, and an understanding of the Orders and Rules of Racing.

Permit Holders
A Permit to train entitles the holder to train horses for Steeple Chases, Hurdle races and National Hunt Flat races which are the sole property of himself, his spouse, parents, sons, daughters, brothers or sisters. A permit trainer should be a genuine amateur for whom the training of racehorses is a pastime and not a money-making enterprise.

Similarly to a full licence holder, a potential permit holder should have attained NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Care and Management and attended the seminar at Weatherbys, but he only needs to have completed one of the week long courses at the British Racing School in Racehorse Management.

Additionally, the Licensing Committee would expect an applicant to fulfil the guidelines listed below:

• must own, or be able to use, gallops within a reasonable hacking distance of his yard
  
• must have worked for a licensed trainer or trained point to pointers
  
• must have supporting references
  
• horses should have some proven form in Point to Points or under Rules
  

Once these criteria have been established, the applicant will be interviewed and his yard inspected by the Security Department. Providing all is satisfactory, a permit to train may be granted.

For a trainer's licence application pack:
Trainers Application Form 
Terms and conditions for Stable Staff
Training Modules
Licence Application Letter

For a permit holder's application pack:
Application for permit to train
Modular training
Terms & conditions for Stable Staff
Letter accompanying application for permit

Forms for registration of stable staff can be downloaded here:
Application form for Registration of a Stable Employee
Application form for a Racehorse Attendant’s Identity Card and Validity Pass