Thoroughbred Industry Careers launches hunt for new trackwork riders
Accelerator Program will endeavour to find some of Australia’s most talented horsemen and women, giving them the chance to learn from leading jockeys
Leading industry education body Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) yesterday launched the Accelerator Program in an attempt to recruit some of Australia’s leading horsemen and women as track riders.
The Accelerator Program is a 12-week intensive training course in which participants will be critiqued and mentored by some of the best jockeys in the world, including Hugh Bowman, Glen Boss, Tommy Berry, Kerrin McEvoy, Kathy O’Hara, Nash Rawiller, Rachel King and Sam Clipperton. They will also be overseen by one of the best to ever take to the saddle in Hall Of Fame rider Darren Beadman.
Based at Western Sydney University’s Richmond campus, the program is open to Australian residents with applications open from today until August 21. The 12-week program itself will begin on September 14.
The latest initiative launched by Thoroughbred Industry Careers is another crucial step towards bringing skilled and talented people into the game, according to chief executive Lindy Maurice.
“The last 18 months have taught us that there are some very talented riders out there who haven’t known anything about careers in our industry, so the Accelerator Program is about lifting the lid specifically on track-riding jobs to convert those good riders into skilled track riders,” Maurice told ANZ Bloodstock News. “Also track riders are the greatest skill shortage facing our industry right now.
“We are looking to take 12 or so on in this first intake as we need enough ex-racehorses at all different levels to match the riders’ progression throughout the program. However, if it is as popular as we hope it will be, we can take up to 15 participants.”
The Accelerator Program joins the Explorer Cadetship Program in being offered by the not-for-profit Thoroughbred Industry Careers, which was established in late 2018 to promote opportunities and vocations within the racing and breeding industries.
“The Explorer Program is our 12-month see-all program where young people get to experience both the racing and breeding sectors before deciding where their interest lies,” Maurice said. “We currently have 52 Cadets on this program across Australia with the next intake to commence in February 2021.
“What is satisfying is finding these fantastic young people and introducing them to our industry. When you find great people, well, I imagine it is similar to how trainers feel when they find a good horse. It’s very exciting.”
The Accelerator Program has been backed by some of Australia’s leading stables, including key stakeholders Gai Waterhouse, Chris Waller and Tony McEvoy, as well as Godolphin and Lindsay Park. Employment is guaranteed for those that complete the course.
“Good track riders are an essential part of any racing stable, both here and overseas,” Waterhouse said. “Horses need skilled and competent riders who can educate them, help keep them fit, and assist us in the training process. There has never been a better time for capable horsemen to be involved in racing.”
Waller added: “Whether you train two or 200 horses, one of the main areas that trainers struggle with is finding good track riders. It is so important to have good riders that you can rely on for accurate feedback and to help educate and prepare your horses for their race targets.
“We have already taken on a number of staff through Thoroughbred Industry Careers, two of which are riders and they have already become a big asset to our team. I consider the Accelerator Program another string to their bow and the very fact that you have some of the biggest industry names backing it, shows how important it is to keep our wonderful industry moving forward and to ensure the future of the sport.”
Among the jockeys who will act as a mentor is Group 1-winning rider Clipperton, who has plied his trade with success in Hong Kong and has had the opportunity to see a number of different stable environments.
“We all think we’ve got the best job in the world; riding the fastest horses for a living,” Clipperton said. “The Accelerator Program is about creating opportunities to become a part of that. If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to ride some of the world’s best racehorses and get paid to do it – whether you’re into bull riding or showjumping like I was – this is your chance to start the journey.”
To apply for the program, click here.