A GROUP of 26 trainee jockeys graduated from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) in Kildare last month. The graduates - 14 female and 12 male - are expected to find work in all areas of the racing industry, not just as jockeys.

Two graduates have already secured amateur rider licences - Jack O’Neill and Finn Gillen.

The focus of the course is evolving with three distinct streams in operation. The jockey stream remains with a focus on fitness, sport psychology and riding.

An exercise rider and stable staff stream focused on stable management and care of horses along with transport and grooming, with riding also forming a component but not as a competitive element at this stage.

The final stream focused more on the care and management of mares and foals, and aiming for a career in bloodstock or with stud farms.

Prize winners

The international reach of the trainee jockey course was evident from this year’s prize winners.

Trainee Jockey of the Year was Norwegian Janita Slettback, with the runner-up prize going to Yasmin Lane-Watson. Natalie Peliscova from the Czech Republic won the Sportsperson of the Year Award.

Alan Casey won the Most Improved Rider Award at beginner level, while Tom Manley-Pender won the equivalent award for advanced riders.

Richard Brede was awarded the Derek O’Sullivan Prize for leadership and contribution to the course, with Aine Ryan the runner-up in this category.

RACE graduates are working at all levels in the thoroughbred industry. The Racing Academy will mark its 50th anniversary with a raceday celebration at the Curragh on October 7th, when the card will include the annual apprentice race named in memory of RACE founding director Derek O’Sullivan, who died in 2002.