Trainee jockeys lead the way with course (From Gazette & Herald)

Trainee jockeys lead the way with course

10:42am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

A FORMER Ryedale teenager is taking part in an innovative course run by the Newmarket-based British Racing School.

For the first time, LovetheRaces.com has put together a unique video offering an insight into the lives of Jack Garrity, who attended Ryedale School, and fellow student Kieran Shoemark as they tackle the college’s four-week foundation course designed to prepare them for a future in racing. The video also provides a glimpse behind the scenes of the residential programme.

Jack and Kieran are following in some illustrious footsteps with racing greats such as two-time British Champion flat jockey, Paul Hanagan, also being an alumnus of the course.

Originally from Nawton, Jack, who is the son of former Cheltenham-winning jockey, Russ, currently works at Andrew Balding’s prestigious yard.

He started out riding for Tim Easterby in Malton before working part-time for David O’Meara in Nawton.

Jack said he was in no doubt about the course’s value.

He said: “It’s definitely helped me on the horse care side of things – how to look for signs of the horse’s health, medication and how often they need shoeing. Even on the riding side I’ve picked up technical things which will hopefully stand me in good stead for the future.”

The course aims to teach youngsters in all the areas they will need in order to successfully join a racing yard.

Each day, the students ride out the horses, muck out the stables and take part in yard duty, but there are also gym facilities to improve their fitness and classroom work, including maths and English exams to ensure that students have a range of skills.

Rory MacDonald, the chief executive of the British Racing School, said: “There’s no doubting that the course is tough but that’s to help prepare the young people for the realities of racing.

“We work hard to develop them so that they come out of the course as rounded individuals.”

The course is free and open to anyone aged between 16 and 22 who is keen to work in racing and willing to learn.

While Jack and Kieran’s experience at other yards means that they are eligible for the intensive four-week course, the nine-week course is perfect, even for those who are complete beginners, and all participants are guaranteed a job in racing at the end of the course.

For more information on the British Racing School and the variety of courses that they offer visit www.brs.org.uk