CARE, in conjunction with RACE, are currently recruiting for an exercise rider training course. This eight-week programme, now in its second year, will focus on stable management, riding skills and personal fitness, as well as providing an industry induction. The course will run from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and from 8:00am to 12:30pm on Saturdays.

Applicants who successfully complete the course will be placed in employment with a licensed trainer.

There are 12 places available on the course and all 12 places will be fully funded by CARE. The course will commence on Monday, May 15th and the employment start date will be Saturday, July 22nd.

The closing date for applications is Friday, April 28th and suitability testing will begin the week commencing May 1st. To apply, complete the application form, available to download online at racingacademy.ie, and email it to training@racingacademy.ie or post to Exercise Riders Training Course, RACE, Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare Town.

ENTRY CRITERIA

There are a number of basic requirements in place for this course. Ideally participants should have riding skills, although applicants do not necessarily have to have ridden thoroughbred horses before.

CALLING ALL TRAINERS

If you are a licensed trainer and are interested in employing one of the students upon successful completion you can contact Paul Keane in RACE on 045 522468 or email paul.keane@racingacademy.ie.

GRADUATE FEEDBACK

Tanya Moran completed the exercise rider training course last year and is currently employed by Tom Taaffe. Here are her thoughts on the programme:

“Before taking the course at RACE, I had no previous experience working with thoroughbreds. I was predominantly involved in the sport horse side of things, having completed a two-year course at Kildalton College and the British Horse Society (BHS) examinations up to PTT level. However, I always had an interest in racing and when I heard about the course I applied and went up to RACE to be assessed. My experience working with horses in general really stood to me and I passed the assessment without too much difficulty. The instructors at RACE were excellent and I really enjoyed the experience. Looking back now I can see how people would find it very difficult to go into a racing yard with no previous, practical experience or training in that area. I wouldn’t be where I am now without having completed the course at RACE. When I finished the course I started straight away with Paul Deegan and was able to make the most of my time there. I learnt lots and it was a really great introduction into working in the racing industry. From there I went to work for my current employer, Tom Taaffe. I love National Hunt racing and have now set myself the goal of getting a jockey licence.”