AMATEUR JOCKEYS TO BENEFIT FROM EX JOCKEYS’ ADVICE

19-01-2015

Amateur riders are being offered advice from former professional jockeys as part of the British Horseracing Authority’s Jockey Coaching Programme (JCP).

A series of workshops run by former professional jockeys are being put together. While initially set up to benefit conditional and apprentice jockeys, the BHA has recognised the importance of including amateur and point-to-point riders. An increasing number of young people – many having ridden in pony races – are now spending a season or two as amateurs before turning professional.

Gill Greeves, the BHA’s vocational training manager, says: “The very successful BHA Jockey Coaching Programme is growing from strength to strength with the recent launch of Regional Coaching Workshops. For an introductory period we are pleased to invite amateur riders to join this exciting new initiative – receiving expert tuition and advice from professional coaches can only benefit them, and I am sure amateur riders will gain by attending one of these workshops.”

The workshops will review and enhance technical and tactical skills, discuss fitness and nutrition and evaluate race-riding skills. A fee of £10 will apply.

Two dates for the JCP workshops:

27 January: British Racing School, Newmarket, (6 – 9pm) with Michael Tebbutt

5 February: Northern Racing College, Doncaster, (4 – 7pm) with Tom O’Ryan.

Riders should contact Jennie Durrans on 01638 665103 or e-mail jennie@brs.org.uk.