DEREK O’Connor will offer advice to amateur riders at the first of three point-to-point race-riding skills courses in RACE next Wednesday.

Winner of The Irish Field Champion Rider title on 11 occasions, O’Connor will be assisted by the RACE instructors on giving these one-day clinics aimed at current holders of a qualified riders’ licence who want to improve their riding skills.

The course is fully funded by Horse Racing Ireland’s Careers and Racing Education department [CARE].

A second course is planned for Wednesday week, May 10th, and another for Saturday, May 20th, subject to demand.

The course is free but there are only six places available at each session and riders should visit the Racing Academy website to register immediately.

O’Connor has ridden more than 1,300 point-to-point winners and has a talent for teaching.

The objective of this course is to improve the technical and tactical riding skills of those taking part, and to help them understand the importance of fitness and race-riding preparation.

Each course runs from 8am to 4.30pm and lunch is provided. Participants will ride three lots (two at RACE and one over jumps at the Curragh Schooling Grounds). A video review of the riding out will be followed by a session on the simulator. There will also be a section of the day devoted to fitness.

Web: racingacademy.ie

Email: training@racingacademy.ie