Racing-Foundation Funded Racing Media Academy Announces its Class of 2024

21 Mar 2024

Jointly funded by its media partners, the Racing Foundation, Godolphin, and Spotlight Sports Group, the Racing Media Academy has announced its Class of 2024.

Following a highly competitive selection process, 13 students will make up the third cohort of the Racing Media Academy. 

Launched in 2021, the Academy’s ambition is to increase diversity across racing’s media by creating a pathway for talent that is reflective of today’s society. 

Josh Apiafi, founder of the Racing Media Academy, said: ‘It is without doubt my favourite announcement of the year, introducing the industry to the 13 cadets for the latest installment of the Racing Media Academy.

‘The only stipulation to apply for a place in the academy is a willingness to learn.

‘It’s amazing who walks through the door when the barriers are removed.

‘From the previous two editions of the academy, we’ve seen 18 of the 23 cadets offered full-time employment. 

‘By putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of what we do, the results speak for themselves’.

The 2024 Racing Media Academy will take place at the British Racing School from April 21-28.

The students will spend an immersive week hearing keynote talks from leading horseracing media executives before going on to paid work experience at one of racing’s media houses. 

This year, the academy had over 100 applications, with applicants representing a cross-section of society in terms of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. 

Interviews were held at Warwick Racecourse in February, where all the media partners commented on the exceptional caliber of applications to this year’s academy.

Applications for the Class of 2025 will open in November 2024.

More information is available at https://racingmediaacademy.com/

Watch below the episode of ‘Julia Visits’, where Julia spent time with the 2023 cohort during their intensive week of media training at The British Racing School.