TWENTY-three students graduated from the SOLAS/KWETB Trainee Jockey programme at the Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE) on Friday June 21st, and the majority are now proceeding to take up employment in the industry.

Twelve girls were among the group who successfully completed the 10-month residential programme and were presented with their certificates and prizes by John Oxx and Michael Halford at a ceremony on the Kildare campus. This year’s graduates received a QQI Level 4 award in Horsemanship (Racehorse Care & Riding) along with a bronze Gaisce award for completing all four elements of the personal achievement programme including charity fund-raising and an overnight hike.