THE recent spell of warm weather has prolonged the back-to-school feel for our new group of trainees but they are now settling into their new routine and adjusting to the demands of the programme.

This year’s trainee jockey group, which includes fourteen girls, are drawn from a wide pool with thirteen different counties represented. We have a couple of first generation Irish participants from the UK and Australia and they are a third of the way through their initial 12-week foundation training.

DAILY ROUTINE

The group’s daily routine of riding and stable management work in the yard is augmented by a full schedule of classroom work in the afternoons plus fitness sessions and personal development activities in the evening.

Over the next 10 months they will learn to make demands on themselves in a range of practical areas and push themselves physically and mentally as they seek out a future career in the racing industry.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING

Their first few weeks on the programme have been busy, coinciding with Irish Champions Weekend where they could sample the excitement of top-class international racing and see the standards to which they should aspire.

Several of the trainees also got to assist with the hosting of coach tours on the Thoroughbred Trails and escort large groups around the RACE campus, providing some insight into life as a trainee jockey for their interested audience.

Other groups of trainees were selected to help out at the HRI marquee during the three days of the Ploughing Championships where, assisted by former jockey J.P. McNamara, they gave demonstrations on the simulator, participated in interviews with Matt Chapman and acted as good ambassadors in the promotion of racing as a sport and career.

These are the type of experiences which really help personal development and build confidence as they take their first steps on their professional journeys.

INDUSTRY ADVICE

As part of their industry induction, they have also visited Kildangan Stud and the Irish National Stud for tours in recent weeks.

These flagship locations convey a powerful message about the quality standards required of world-class equine operators and the importance of protecting our national heritage in this global industry. Hopefully many of these young trainees will rise to the challenge over the coming months and years and develop the necessary qualities of resilience, self-discipline and good judgement which will provide a strong foundation for their future lives and careers.