William Kennedy to run new Jockey Coaching drop in sessions at Warwick Racecourse

Newly appointed BHA Regional Jockey Coach for the Midlands area, William Kennedy, will be starting to run regular weekly drop in sessions from Wednesday 8th May at Warwick Racecourse and will also be attending racedays there to provide raceday coaching support to Conditional and Apprentice jockeys.

The session from 11am to 4pm will be open to any licensed jockey, similar to drop in coaching sessions offered at the IJF centres in Lambourn, Newmarket, Malton and Taunton.

Throughout his riding career, William was interested in all the aspects that go into being a professional jockey. He carried out a Level 2 coaching qualification whilst riding and after he relinquished his licence last year, has been working towards his Level 3 Coaching qualification.

Talking about his role, William said:

“Jockey Coaching has developed so much in the last five years and it’s great that we can offer this additional service to jockeys. Today’s generation of jockeys are really taking themselves seriously as athletes, they’re leaner, fitter and stronger and to be able to offer sessions for anyone to focus on their technique or any other queries they may have is really important.”

William will be liaising closely with Head of Jockey Coaching George Baker as well as the team of other Regional Coaches to ensure jockeys are being provided with the best coaching to suit their needs.

William added:

“I’ve learned a lot since I first started coaching. Every jockey responds and takes on feedback differently so it’s been interesting to adapt my coaching technique on how they respond best or take in information differently and this has really helped me get through to the jockeys I work with When you see a jockey improve and they’re happy, it’s a huge sense of job satisfaction because I’m giving back to racing and supporting the next generation.”