Hartpury University has teamed up with the British Racing School to develop the first degree of its kind to help staff working within UK horseracing enhance their career opportunities within the industry.

The two-year FdSc horseracing industry degree will deliver a broad programme of learning and offer a fascinating insight into the multi-million pound sport, covering everything from racehorse health and nutrition to race planning and performance analysis.

The new degree programme, run primarily by the British Racing School but in partnership with Hartpury University, is the first to be designed specifically to enable racing staff to carry out their studies alongside work commitments.

The FdSc horseracing industry degree programme, which will start in September this year, will include guest speakers from the industry, networking opportunities and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Russell Marchant, vice-chancellor of Hartpury University, said: "We're extremely proud to have developed the new horseracing industry foundation degree with the British Racing School.

"While it was great to see jockey Rachael Blackmore taking the racing world by storm at the recent Cheltenham Festival, we shouldn't forget all the thousands of people working diligently behind the scenes within the racing industry.

"Many of our graduates have gone on to achieve successful careers within horseracing and we're confident that this new programme will open up more opportunities for those racing staff already working within the industry to progress their careers."

Duncan Gregory, operations director at the British Racing School, said: "This degree is intended to develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence of those working in and around racing.

"We believe it will extend a ladder of opportunity for racing staff who might feel they are masters in their own sphere, but are held back through lack of a wider understanding of racing.

"This degree will present new horizons and combine the best of what Hartpury University and the British Racing School have to offer, in a unique delivery model. It promises to be a fascinating learning experience."

Martin Keighley, Gloucestershire racehorse trainer, said: "I fully support the foundation degree. It's important we keep good young people in racing, as there are so many different openings for them. They have a knowledge of the industry so need to take that forward and build on it."

The British Racing School is a purpose-built training centre on the outskirts of Newmarket - the headquarters of British flat racing - with extensive grounds and modern facilities.

Hartpury University, based 16 miles from Cheltenham Racecourse, is renowned for its specialist equine facilities, including the Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance and the Equine Therapy Centre.

The institution offers two horseracing degrees developed with industry - BA (Hons) international horseracing business and BSc (Hons) racehorse performance and rehabilitation.

Hartpury graduates have progressed into careers with a variety of organisations within the equine industry, including the Jockey Club, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, World Horse Welfare and the British Horseracing Authority.