Scholarships are available for those wishing to pursue equine research, particularly racing and breeding of thoroughbreds.

Two new scholarships are being offered by The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), and both are open for applications to start in 2015. These awards will provide an exciting opportunity for future equine researchers or clinicians, particularly those with an interest in thoroughbreds.

Veterinary research training scholarships are available for veterinary graduates wishing to pursue a PhD programme in any equine related field, but particularly the racing and breeding of thoroughbreds.

The senior equine clinical scholarships will allow veterinary graduates with at least two years’ experience to train for a higher qualification, such as the European Diploma, over four years. Similarly to the research training scholarships, the training must be in an equine field, with particular relevance to racing thoroughbreds.

The research training scholarships last for three years, while the senior equine clinical scholarship lasts for four years. Funding includes a tax-free stipend to cover living costs and an expense allowance for research costs, or other purposes directly related to the scholarship.

Chair of the HBLB’s education sub-committee, Professor Peter O’Shaughnessy, said: “Investment in training the equine researchers and specialist clinicians of the future is fundamental to the on-going health and well-being of racing and breeding horses.

"Maintaining an annual round of education awards, which include a serious research project element, is a priority. Competition for these awards is always intense and any student fortunate enough to secure one of the funded posts will have an excellent training opportunity.”

To apply, visit the website here and download an application pack from the "Advancing Veterinary Science and Education" section. For further information, contact the HBLB equine grants team by email.