THE recent anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown gave cause for reflection on the extent to which our normal activities have been disrupted, and how so much has changed during a seemingly endless cycle of stop-start announcements and activities.

The surreal nature of this was emphasised when we held a virtual graduation ceremony for 2019-20 trainees in February, at a time when our current trainees had been sent home as part of the most recent Level 5 restrictions.

Much of our training has moved online as we adapt to the new realities but this obviously imposes severe limitations when it comes to riding and practical instruction, so we are eager to get trainees back on campus as soon as possible to continue with their hands-on learning and work placements.

In the meantime they have continued to progress towards certification with online learning and we have successfully delivered a range of industry courses via the new formats with full classes participating in equine transport, racing secretary and the IHRB trainers’ course.

We are currently recruiting for an exercise rider programme which we hope to deliver, along with more Junior Academy activity, when restrictions ease.

Bahrain project

However, in the midst of this uncertainty and pandemic, we have had some positive news in the form of an international training project in Bahrain which commenced at the start of March.

The establishment of the Bahrain Horseracing Academy as a partnership with the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club (REHC) is a project that has been nearly two years in the planning and which came to fruition with the arrival of a team from RACE to oversee the set up of the Academy premises and the initial assessment of candidates at the racecourse base in Manama.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an important regional, economic and financial hub and promotes itself as a multi-cultural tourism and sporting destination with a small population (around 1.2 million) and a friendly community feel for its residents and visitors.

Under the guidance of the REHC executive director Sheikh Salman Bin Rashed Al Khalifa, there is a strong desire to evolve into a premier horseracing destination and to propel the sport to new heights.

The club hosted their second international event in November last year and there are plans to expand this international involvement and attract more high-profile owners, trainers and jockeys to Bahrain.

Winter season

Many European jockeys spend the winter season there and others, such as Frankie Dettori, jet in and out for the big races such as last week’s Kings Cup event.

Irish riders Paddy Mathers and Seamus Cronin have enjoyed successful seasons as retained jockeys and David Egan has also been prominent this year while combining his local rides with lucrative trips to Saudi Arabia.

Establishing the Academy is part of a broader vision to develop local talent and to further professionalise the racing sector, so as to open up career paths and raise standards of horse care, training, education and rider safety.

The local infrastructure is good with one of the best turf tracks and grandstands in the Middle East, along with a sand training track and stables for over 350 horses.

Leading local trainer Fawzi Nass has enjoyed significant success in Dubai in recent years and competes with British ex-pats such as Allan Smith and Jimmy Naylor, in addition to local handlers, while George Baker is shortly to open a satellite yard as part of further expansion at the venue.

Irish team

The RACE team delivering the first six-week block of training includes instructor Paddy Flood, coordinator Feargal Cooper and fitness coach Dave O’Neill, and they are working with a group of more than 30 participants which includes a range of apprentices, work riders and some professional jockeys.

The purpose-built premises is contained within the grandstand and houses a well-equipped gym, racehorse simulators and audio-visual aids for specialised coaching, video work and strength and conditioning.

As many of the local riders are currently part-time and have other commitments we are delivering the structured programme in a flexible way to suit their needs and the initial feedback has been very positive.

It appears the vision and commitment is there to develop an Academy culture over the coming years and to make a lasting impact on the professional development of local talent and we are excited to be involved in such a progressive project.

We hope to bring some of the more promising young jockeys on a visit to Ireland later in the year and we are committed to returning to Bahrain in November to deliver the next phase of on-site training, in line with the start of their new season when we will hopefully be finally free of coronavirus restrictions.