British racing has welcomed the decision by the Government to add six crucial racing-related roles to the new Immigration Salary List (ISL), making it easier for training yards and studs to recruit workers from abroad.
The ISL, which has replaced the former Shortage Occupation List, now includes racing grooms, work riders, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands and stud handlers. The industry is currently facing a shortfall of 2,000-2,500 staff, but this development makes recruiting some of the best overseas talent a more realistic option for the sport.
The addition of these roles to the ISL also enables training yards and studs to employ overseas workers on a minimum salary of £30,960–a salary discount on the £38,700 minimum that applies to other businesses under the Government's immigration rules.
The new roles will still need to meet existing criteria and businesses should be aware of the other requirements under the Government's points-based immigration system post-Brexit, including mandatory requirements for overseas employees to have received a firm job offer and speak English to the required level.
Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said, “The fact that the six racing and breeding roles are part of only a very small number of jobs transferred from the old Shortage Occupation List to the to the Immigration Salary List shows the Government recognises how crucial they are to Britain's rural economy.
“Bringing in world-class talent from overseas is not a sticking-plaster solution to our recruitment crisis. They are part of the answer by providing us with unrivalled experience to help train our next generation of high-skilled workers. It is essential that racing now takes the opportunity to make the most of our access to the best international talent, which will enable us to put in place long-term solutions to racing's staffing shortage.”
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Mike Gillum topped the field of 765 entries at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's 25th National Horseplayers Championship to take home the $800,000 grand prize and earn the Eclipse Award as the Horseplayer of the Year Sunday evening in Las Vegas.
After finishing day one in fifth place, Gillum found himself in the 81st spot with two races to go on day two. He jumped over a few people to qualify into the semi-final round in 64th place, barely inside the 10% cut line set at 77 entries.
When asked about his strategy going into Sunday's final day of the competition, Gillum said, “My picks did not change since 6 a.m. this morning, I played exactly what I would have played regardless of which place I was in. I got lucky, it was just my day today.”
Racing has always been something Gillum, who operates a produce company in Indianapolis, Indiana, enjoyed, he said.
“It's a passion of mine and has been for 20, 30 years. This is just the best,” Gillum said.
In only his second trip to the NHC, Gillum is the 25th individual to take home the grand prize at the handicapping contest.
When asked what this means to him, Gillum said, “I am just thinking about my family at home watching, I'm just so excited and happy. Truly I'm at a loss for words.”
The official top 10 finishers at the 2024 NHC and prize money won are: Mike Gillum, $800,000; Seth Morris, $250,000; Matthew Blanchet, $200,000; Lawrence Kahlden, $150,000; Daniel Kaplan, $125,000; Rob Henie, $85,000; Nicholas Shirilla, $80,000; TJ Sonde, $75,000; GT Nixon, $70,000; and Scott Cavalieri, $65,000.
“Horseplayers are such a pivotal part of the sport of Thoroughbred racing, and the NTRA is extremely proud to host this event to celebrate all their contributions every year to crown our annual champion,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “It's incredible to see how the NHC has evolved in the 25 years since it began and really special to have so many dedicated horseplayers who work all year to qualify for this event. To have the 25th NHC, coupled with St. Patrick's Day and the NCAA tournament weekend, has made for a weekend like no other. Congratulations to all who made it here this weekend, and especially to Mike Gillum for taking home the grand prize.”
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