EARLY engagement with young horse lovers is a principal plank of our promotion and recruitment work. This year marked the ninth instalment of a jockey skills course for Pony Club members which took place at RACE in mid-September.

A total of 10 young pony club riders were selected from around the country. Riders had to be at least 14 years of age and have completed a C Test. They participated in a two-day programme which involved riding racehorses on the gallops, video coaching, simulator training, fitness instruction and nutritional advice as they got to sample a slice of Academy life and consider the attractions of a career as a jockey.