Curragh

ALL 10 members of the Irish Pony Club, who attended the 2019 Racing Academy and Centre of Education jockeys’ skills course earlier this month, passed their RACE assessment and will take part in an exhibition ride at 5.45pm today during day one of the Autumn Festival at the Curragh Racecourse.

The 10 candidates were given a two-day jockey skills taster course providing them with a chance to experience the racing industry and the life of a professional jockey first hand. The participants received coaching in race riding skills, fitness, racehorse care and training. The riders were also given instruction in video reviews and simulator instruction.

Congratulations go to Rachel D’Arcy (Shillelagh), Alexandra Egan (Kildare), Holly Gleeson (Newcastle Lyons), Lauren Hartley (Waterford), Jack Lucey (Muskerry), Rory O’Donnell (Scarteen), Ted O’Leary (Westmeath), David Russell (Scarteen), Jessica Stokes (Tipperary) and Seersha Watson (Bray). You can read about their experiences over the two days on the IPC website.

Gates open at 12 noon today for what is being termed the Newbridge Parishes Family Day and IPC members will be keen to try out the RACE simulator which will be in use from that time. While the day will also feature short children’s soccer, rugby, hurling and football matches also athletics, Pony Club members will be keen to support the Clare Branch as they put on their musical ride at 3.50pm before staying on after the official racing to cheer home those in the exhibition ride.