The Hong Kong Jockey Club is renowned globally for the quality of its racing professionals. For more than 40 years, the Club has offered a comprehensive training programme for youngsters who want to join the racing industry. There have been a number of outstanding jockeys, such as Dennis Yip and Tony Cruz, who excelled not only at local level but also made an impact in the international world of horse racing, enhancing Hong Kong’s reputation in the process.
For the next three weeks, the Club is presenting an ideal opportunity for a new generation of Hong Kong youngsters to take a big step along the road towards pursuing a rewarding career in the city’s world-class horse racing industry. Initial applications for the latest intake of Racing Trainees can be made between Monday, 8 June and Sunday, 28 June 2015.
Members of the public aged 15 or above who have completed Form Three education, are hard working with a positive attitude, and have a passion for sport, are welcome to apply. Apprentice Jockeys’ School and three trainers, namely Paul O’Sullivan, Benno Yung and Almond Lee, will select talented applicants from riding and fitness tests in July to attend the orientation in August. The 25 applicants with best performances will be selected to join the programme.
“We have a mission to ensure our students become successful as jockeys or in other roles by providing them with an all-round education, including but not limited to equine skills. Students will be taught academic subjects, but there will also be other courses to help with various aspects of personal development. We hope all of our selected students will benefit from their studies with us and will be better equipped for future challenges,” explained Amy Chan, the Club’s Racing Development Board Manager and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School.
She also pointed out that apart from learning to be jockeys, Racing Trainees have the chance to develop their talents in a wide range of posts in the equine field, for instance as work riders, racing management trainees, equestrian assistants or farriers. As such, there are plenty of career choices awaiting successful applicants.
The Racing Trainee Programme covers riding techniques, horse grooming, stable management, English, IT, sports science, music and personal financial management.
The Programme is designed by the Racing Development Board which has been given accreditation by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). Graduates will receive a certificate equivalent to Level 1 to Level 3 accreditation within the local vocational education system. This will be beneficial to those who are preparing to study further or for career development.
In addition, Racing Trainees will have the chance to be sent overseas for training to broaden their experience and learn more about other racing cultures.
Apprentice Jockey Jacky Wong believed the overseas training at New Zealand helped him equipped himself. “During two and a half year stays at New Zealand, I registered 36 wins from 443 rides. This priceless experience helps me to start my riding career in Hong Kong,” he said.
Anyone interested in obtaining further details about Racing Trainees Programme or applying should visit the website of the Racing Development Board at www.hkjc.com/rdb.
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Photo 1:
The Club��s Racing Development Board Manager and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys�� School, Amy Chan encourages young people who aspire to career in horse racing to seize the chance to apply.
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Photo 2:
Apprentice Jockey Jack Wong believes the overseas training at New Zealand has helped him starting his riding career in Hong Kong.
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