Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA Handicap Steeplechase takes place at Haydock

Published on

Fiona Dowling presenting the race trophy to Jonjo O'Neill
Image by: John Grossick

On Wednesday 4th December, the annual University of Liverpool Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA Handicap Steeplechase took place at Haydock Racecourse. 

The race, which is named after The Management School’s Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA (THIMBA) programme, was held as a mark of celebration for the 2017-19 cohort who graduated the previous day.  Graduates and their families were invited to attend the race, as well as a special reception hosted by Haydock Park.  

Fiona Dowling, THIMBA graduate and winner of the Student of the Year award, said “The hospitality package at Haydock racecourse was the perfect way to celebrate graduation and reflect on our hard work over the past two years. 

I would recommend the THIMBA programme to anyone interested in progressing in the horseracing industry. The course has provided us with fantastic opportunities to apply business theory to practical situations, liaise with industry professionals and build on professional skills that will be vital for our career development.

Since commencing at the University of Liverpool I have grown both personally and professionally as an individual. I have made lifelong friends and I am sure that we will aid each other's progression over the forthcoming years.” 

Neil Coster, Director of Studies for THIMBA, said “Our thanks go to the Jockey Club Racecourses who for the third time hosted our THIMBA graduates.  It is fantastic that after two years of business study the cohort can celebrate together at a Haydock Park raceday. 

The highlight this year was student of the year, Fiona Dowling, presenting the race trophy to compatriot and Irish racing legend Jonjo O'Neill.” 

The University of Liverpool Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA Handicap Steeplechase had seven runners on the day going a distance of 3 meters 1 foot 125 yards with Cobolobo (FR) gaining a win with a Time of: 6 minutes 38.60 seconds.                                   

During the event, Neil Coster and Fiona were also featured in an interview with Racing TV. They spoke about the MBA programme and its close ties within the Industry.

Watch the interview below (video by Racing TV)