The hunt is on for Australia’s most talented and bold horse riders to become the first intake of the ‘Accelerator Program’ – a 12-week intensive trackwork training course that will see participants critiqued and mentored by the best jockeys in the game, including Hugh Bowman, Glen Boss, Tommy Berry, Kathy O’Hara, Nash Rawiller, Rachel King, Sam Clipperton, and Kerrin McEvoy. Hall of Fame retired jockey Darren Beadman, will also be overseeing the progression of the riders throughout the program.
Trainees will live on campus at Western Sydney University's Richmond base while receiving intensive training and education on exercising racehorses by a team of experienced instructors, before graduating with a qualification that will open doors to Australia's leading stables. Employment upon completion of the program is guaranteed.
Recently returning to Sydney from Hong Kong, jockey Sam Clipperton said this is a unique opportunity to pursue an exhilarating career, whilst learning from the best in the business.
“We all think we've got the best job in the world; riding the fastest horses for a living. The Accelerator Program is about creating opportunities to become a part of that. If you've always wondered what it would be like to ride some of the world's best racehorses and get paid to do it - whether you're into bull riding or showjumping like I was, this is your chance to start the journey."
The Accelerator Program is the latest offering from Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), a not-for-profit which is aiming to secure the long-term future of the thoroughbred industry by raising the curtain on careers and creating more pathways for people to become involved. Arrowfield Stud, Chris Waller Racing, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, Godolphin, Lindsay Park Racing, McEvoy Mitchell Racing, and The Australian Turf Club united to form TIC in 2018 for the betterment of the industry.
Applications for the Accelerator Program open on July 11 and close on 21 August 2020 and is open to Australian residents.
The program will commence on the 14th of September 2020.
For further information or to apply, please visit - https://tbindustrycareersaccelerator.com.au/
For interviews please contact:
Lindy Maurice on 0488 066 604 or lindy@tbindustrycareers.com.au
Please see below for comments from TIC stakeholders:
Gai Waterhouse, Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott Racing:
“Good track riders are an essential part of any racing stable, both here and overseas. Horses need skilled and competent riders who can educate them, help keep them fit, and assist us in the training process. There has never been a better time for capable horsemen to be involved in racing.”
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Godolphin’s Vin Cox:
"Trackriding is one of the most valued and important roles in the industry, and in Australia right, now trackriders are in short supply. The Accelerator Program will aim to reach those who possess the right horsemanship qualities to be successful, and to be guided by some of the best jockeys in the world is the icing on the cake. This program will give riders a leg-up into the best stables in Australia."
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Chris Waller, Chris Waller Racing:
“Whether you train two or 200 horses, one of the main areas that trainers struggle with is finding good trackriders. It is so important to have good riders that you can rely on for accurate feedback and to help educate and prepare your horses for their race targets.
We have already taken on a number of staff through Thoroughbred Industry Careers, two of which are riders and they have already become a big asset to our team. I consider the Accelerator Program another string to their bow and the very fact that you have some of the biggest industry names backing it, shows how important it is to keep our wonderful industry moving forward and to ensure the future of the sport.”
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Tony McEvoy, McEvoy Mitchell Racing:
“Initiatives like the Accelerator Program are very important to our industry. We are one of the major stables in the country and the biggest problem everyone faces is getting young riders who are trained and qualified to the level this job requires. These people are vital to our industry. I would ask all the trainers and pre-trainers in the thoroughbred industry to get behind this program!”
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Ben Hayes, Lindsay Park Racing:
“Track riders are essential to the daily operation of training racehorses and without high calibre trackriders, we cannot function. To have highly skilled track riders in our team, who we can rely on to carry out the work and provide important feedback is imperative, and the more people who are trained up in this role, the better.
The Accelerator program aims to do this and we look forward to welcoming graduates to Lindsay Park.
