The Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) campus has been buzzing with activity since the start of the new year and there is an air of excitement as trainees settle in to their work placements, international visitors complete their courses and a range of new stable staff programmes are promoted around the country.

Recruitment and retention issues within the industry have been well documented but there now appears to be a willingness among industry bodies to collaborate effectively in the task of attracting young people into racing and offering them the prospect of a sustainable career. RACE is working closely with Careers and Racing Education (CARE) as part of the broader Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) strategy to move this forward and we are trying to build awareness and support around some of these initiatives.

Sandra Hughes has been working on our behalf to contact trainers around the country and visit yards with the objective of establishing training needs and identifying ways in which we can support employers in their efforts to attract and retain suitably skilled stable staff.

CARE is funding a series of practical training programmes throughout the year which are designed to be flexible and relevant and fit with the demands of a busy yard. There are currently two, four and six-day training options available at RACE which focus on improving riding skills and general horse care. These courses provide dedicated training time and specific feedback for participants and their employers. Ideal for newer staff members requiring an induction to best practice or existing stable staff requiring a focus on riding skills improvement. The first of these courses is taking place next week (February 19 - 22nd) with further dates scheduled throughout 2019.

SEEKING

Sandra is also seeking to recruit candidates for another Exercise Rider course in July aimed at people with broader horse experience who wish to work in racing but need experience with thoroughbreds and an induction to the racing industry. We are reaching out to students on various equine courses around the country who may be attracted to a fully-funded six-week programme at RACE followed by a supported placement in a suitable racing yard. Trainers are also being encouraged to nominate potential candidates for this course as it has proved to be a very effective means of producing work-ready stable staff in the past.

In addition to these options, the first of a number of CARE funded one-day training courses for amateur jockeys is taking place next week (February 22nd). There are two levels available: schooling preparation for participants who currently hold a Category A1 licence, hoping to progress to an A3 and schooling progression for those who already hold a Category A3 (with coaching provided by Derek O’Connor). Any prospective or current amateur riders will benefit from these excellent coaching opportunities focused on improvement of schooling skills. There are only six of each course available throughout the year, so applications need to be submitted quickly to secure a place.

For further information on any of these industry training programmes or to make a booking please contact Lisa at RACE or Sandra Hughes directly at 087 3781739.