CONGRATULATIONS to jockey Wesley Joyce, who had his first winner at Sligo on Sunday riding Hands Down. He is from Moyross, Co Limerick, and got into racing through a RACE outreach programme working with the Moyross Youth Academy.

RACE has been supporting educational and career attainment through outreach programmes to urban equine project initiatives. Several young people who started with these visits have successfully completed the RACE trainee jockey course, progressed to working for racehorse trainers and remain involved as leaders and role models for other young people in Moyross.

Wesley spoke previously about his experience: “I remember visiting RACE at a young age. I loved the set-up there, the thoroughbreds, the yard, the simulator and the trainee jockeys wearing the best gear.

“I knew from those early visits that RACE was for me. This was always my goal and having that goal and the support from my family and the staff of (Moyross Youth Academy) is what kept me on the straight and narrow.

“RACE is where I felt the plan to become a jockey got very real for me. They set me up on placement with Johnny Murtagh and that’s where I work now. It’s a very exciting place to be. The work is hard but very rewarding, there’s a real team spirit there. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“I’m learning my trade from one of the best.”