Organizers say the racecourse manager certification will help train a new generation of professionals to support racing surface safety and consistency. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety & Integrity Alliance and the University of Kentucky (UK) Ag Equine Programs have launched a joint initiative offering a racecourse manager certification from UK beginning this fall.

The curriculum will be designed for those already engaged in careers with racing surface maintenance crews with an eye toward stepping into leadership roles.

“Horse racing has an ongoing need to not only develop the next generation of fans, but also the next-generation workforce to support the sport,” said Mick Peterson, PhD, UK Ag Equine Programs director and executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory. “Racecourse manager certification will help train a new generation of professionals to support safety and consistency of racing surfaces