ONE of the most positive developments for Irish racing in recent times has been the establishment of an industry education and training department within Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) with a commitment to invest in a longer-term strategy for the benefit of people in the broader industry.

Carol Nolan and her team have been working away on various practical initiatives over the past 18 months to help develop a well-trained and educated workforce for the industry and ensure that we can continue to recruit people into racing by offering them some progression and development opportunities.

This project will obviously take time and involve some joined-up thinking within the industry and significant support by stakeholders but all the evidence suggests that if we don’t prioritise this area we will face continuing erosion of our skills base and undermine our future competitiveness. As the Chinese proverb says, ‘the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now’!

In response to current staff shortages in racing yards, HRI has supported a new foundation course for grooms/exercise riders which is being delivered at RACE over an eight-week period in association with the Trainers Association. It is designed to develop practical riding, stable management and workplace skills for participants so they can be placed in full-time work on completion of the course.

Michael Grassick of the IRTA is taking expressions of interest from licensed trainers around the country who are looking for suitable staff and we hope to see them spread around a variety of regions when they successfully complete their initial training.

Ten people were selected for the initial programme, each with some horse handling experience but very little exposure to working with thoroughbreds and they have been working hard on a programme which includes intensive riding instruction, practical skills assessments, physical fitness training, industry induction and workplace skills. With an age span of 19-30, they all bring some strengths and life experience to the group and they are making good progress as they proceed into the second half of their programme.

We are hopeful that, if successful, this type of programme may become a more regular feature of our training activity each year and begin to help in a practical way to meet the workforce needs of the industry.

DEREK O’CONNOR

Another new initiative which is being piloted with the support of HRI is development training and coaching for point-to-point riders and we are delivering the first of two training days in association with Derek O’Connor next Tuesday (31st May) with the second date scheduled for 21st June at RACE.

This programme has emerged with the support and encouragement of the champion rider in response to a growing need for more support for novice riders on the point-to-point circuit and amateur riders who may have ambitions to progress their riding careers in the future.

Derek firmly believes that more support and coaching is needed for young riders, helping them with their jumping technique and building their confidence over an obstacle which will not only make them more capable riders but in turn make the sport safer for all involved.

A full day’s training at RACE with extensive schooling sessions, video work and simulator practice under the guidance of experienced instructors is now on offer to novice riders and we are really looking forward to having Derek involved with the coaching on the day.

Six riders can be accommodated on each day with no charge involved as these pilots are being funded by HRI. Those who would like to express an interest in attending should contact RACE at 045 522468.