About the Program
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to ride a racehorse at 60kmh? And to do it several times every morning on some of the best horses in the world for some of the best trainers in Australia?
If the answer is “Yes”, you now have the opportunity, not only to be a part of the racing industry but to be guided and mentored by some of the best in the business and gain skills that can take you around the world!
Thanks to Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), you can be formally educated in trackwork riding, one of the most crucial skills in the racing industry through the ‘Accelerator Program’, a 12-month (approx) traineeship which incorporates on-the-job training and formal study.
If you are successful through the application process, you will be assigned to a leading racing stable where you will be employed whilst you complete the Certificate III in Trackwork Rider (RGR 30518) via a full-time traineeship.
The program will commence with a four-week intensive, residential learning block in the Hawkesbury area of NSW (COVID restrictions pending) and your accommodation is arranged through Western Sydney University.
The initial learning block is designed to kick start your traineeship, and your instructors and lecturers have all “been there and done it”. You will be paid by your employer during this learning block.
You will then commence work in your assigned racing stable where you will receive on-the-job training, combined with ongoing track riding lessons.
So, if you are a capable and experienced Rider who wants to go to a new level, kick-starting a career, and experience the thrill and satisfaction of being involved in horseracing at its most vital level, apply now!
At the end of the 12 month program a graduation ceremony will be held for our Accelerator Riders.
About the Industry
On a per capita, basis Australia has arguably the strongest racing industry in the world.
Australia’s thoroughbred industry provides employment for more than 75,000 people, with around 80% of these jobs being in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The industry contributes more than $1 billion in Federal and State taxes annually, and the economic value to the economy is estimated to exceed $5 billion per year.
Australia has more racecourses than any other country in the world and the second-largest number of racehorse starters behind the USA.
For anyone who loves to ride, who doesn’t mind an adrenalin rush and would like to be a part of the training, education, and development of a racehorse, you now have a unique opportunity to get involved.
About Track Riding
As well as possessing riding skills that help bring a racehorse to peak fitness, the trackrider is integral in maintaining a horse’s health and well-being by communicating vital information to the trainer on such things as a horse’s gait, it’s breathing and other observations that are only apparent to its rider during exercise.
“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.” Gai Waterhouse
Key Points
- Applications are now open – see below for application form
- The Accelerator Program is a 12-month (approx) traineeship working towards a Certificate III in Track Rider (RGR 30518)
- The program will commence on Monday 27th September 2021
- Formal training is conducted in NSW for the first 4 weeks of the program, then you will commence work for a leading racing stable
- Riders will be accomodated at Western Sydney Uni, during the first 4 weeks of training
- Riders need to be over 18 years of age unless you have your own accommodation
- Spaces will be limited so don’t delay – Apply Now
The Qualification
Successful Riders will work towards a Certificate III in Track Riding, a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates graduates have a solid understanding of how to care for breeding stock.
Teaching is conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) combined with on-the-job training. You will be paid throughout the 12-months under the Racing Award.
Below is the list of the formal units you will study:
| Number | Title |
|---|---|
| ACMEQU205 | Apply knowledge of horse behaviour |
| RGRPSH209 | Attend horses at race meetings and trials |
| RGRCMN203 | Comply with racing industry ethics and integrity |
| BSBWHS201 | Contribute to health and safety of self and others |
| RGRPSH306 | Develop basic trackwork riding skills |
| RGRPSH307 | Exercise horses in pacework |
| RGRPSH201 | Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork |
| RGRPSH304 | Identify factors that affect racehorse fitness and suitability to race |
| RGRPSH309 | Implement feeding programs for racehorses under direction |
| RGRPSH301 | Implement stable operations |
| ACMEQU208 | Manage personal health and fitness for working with horses |
| ACMGAS202 | Participate in workplace communications |
| RGRPSH205 | Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry |
| HLTAID003 | Provide first aid |
| RGRPSH308 | Provide first aid and emergency care for horses or other equines |
| RGRPSH404 | Ride horses at trackwork |
| RGRPSH302 | Supervise handling of horses |
| RGRPSH211 | Work effectively in the horse racing industry |
What you Need to Know
- The program will commence on Monday 27th September 2021.
- Applications are now OPEN, to apply please complete the application form below, applications will close on the 30th of August.
- Successful Riders will be assigned to a leading racing stable at the commencement of the program.
- Successful Riders will group together in the Hawkesbury area of NSW for intensive training for the four weeks of the traineeship before commencing work for their stable.
- Successful Riders will complete the Certificate III in Trackwork Rider (RGR 30518) which will take approximately 12 months. Some Riders may complete all the units before 12 months and some may take longer.
- Riders will need to be able to cover the cost of their accommodation at Western Sydney University (approximately $200 per week, plus bond) and living expenses during the initial 4-week training block. Following the initial block, Accelerator Riders will commence work for their racing stable and continue their riding lessons throughout the year.
- Riders will need to demonstrate a passion for horses and/or racing and a high level of equine experience through the application process to be considered for the program.
- Riders need to be 18 years or over at the commencement of the program.
- The program will involve riding and physical fitness training, so Riders will need to be fit and healthy and have a strong work ethic and will to succeed.
The Application Process
The next intake of the Accelerator Program will commence on the 27th September 2021
Riders will need to complete the application form below.
Remember we need to understand a bit about you, so please tell us as much as you can about your interests and background and why you would be a great trackrider. You will also need some photo’s handy to upload.
Interview
Once applications close students will be notified if they have been accepted for an interview on Facetime or Microsoft Teams.
During these interviews, applicants will be asked general questions about why they want to be on the program and their experience with horses.
Notification
Applicants will be notified via phone or email if they have a place on the program.
Successful Riders will then need to formally enrol into the program and their accommodation – details on how to do this will be forwarded to successful applicants along with what they will need to pack.