Racing Excellence Series Film Released as Apprentice Training Series Begins
To coincide with the first race in the 2022 Apprentice Training Series which takes place at Windsor Racecourse this afternoon, the Jockey Coaching Programme has today launched a new film to promote the wider Racing Excellence Series.
Racing Excellence is the industry accreditation for all race series supported by a qualified Jockey Coach which are run under the Hands and Heels or Training Race conditions. With 74 races across 7 series, including both Flat and Jumps codes, Racing Excellence provides an invaluable opportunity for inexperienced jockeys to benefit from structured coaching when race riding to improve and develop their skills.
Today’s race will be attended by John Reid and as per all races in series, the Jockey Coach will provide a course walk before each race as well as expert tuition in race riding, tactics, fitness, professionalism and conduct. The Jockey Coach will also award points for:
• Winning or being placed in the race
• Taking part in the coaching course walk before the race
• Professionalism
• Presentation
• Riding skills
The jockey with the most points at the end of the series wins the competition, the trophy, and up to £1000 of funding towards career-progressing items for example racing equipment, training, or electronic equipment to use within coaching.
Joe Foley-Corah, Jockey Development Manager, said:
“The Racing Excellence Series is vital in developing young jockeys and the technical and tactical skills they require when race riding and has been recognised by trainers and owners as an important element of a young jockey’s riding career development.
Our excellent team of Jockey Coaches work tirelessly with our Apprentices and Conditionals but for the majority of the time, the coaching environment is restricted to the use of simulators which are great for certain skills but can’t replicate a race riding environment.
“Race riding accelerates the development and skill acquisition of young jockeys, and so the numerous Series races that allow young riders to receive dedicated coaching through the day are an essential part of progressing jockeys and raising the standards of riding across the sport.”
Jonny Peate, Apprentice to Charlie and Mark Johnston, coached by Russell Kennemore and the winner of the 2021 Apprentice Training Race Series, said:
“I found the Racing Excellence Series really helpful last season, it gave me the opportunity to ride for new trainers and make more connections for the future. It gave us all a chance to ride more and to improve our riding. It’s a great incentive for trainers to use apprentices on some of their horses, and also for apprentices with a similar amount of experience and winners to compete against each other in a league style competition.”