The National Apprentice Jockeys Championship
Nurturing Our Racing Future
In the world of thoroughbred racing, the path to becoming a top jockey is paved with dedication, skill, and no small amount of grit. For aspiring young riders in our country, the National Apprentice Jockeys Championship serves as a crucial stepping stone on this journey, offering a platform to showcase their talents and compete against their peers on a national stage.
The Championship Structure
Unlike some international models such as the British flat racing Champion Apprentice title, which is awarded based on the total number of winners throughout a season, our National Apprentice Jockeys Championship takes a different approach. The championship is typically structured as a series of races held across various tracks throughout the country, with points awarded based on finishing positions.
This format allows apprentices from different regions to come together and compete directly against one another, providing a more equitable playing field regardless of the opportunities available in their home regions. It also offers a more concentrated and exciting competition for both participants and spectators alike.
Developing Future Stars
The championship plays a vital role in the development of our future racing stars. It provides apprentices with exposure to different tracks, racing conditions, and horses, all of which contribute to their growth as jockeys. Moreover, the competitive nature of the championship helps instil a strong work ethic and competitive spirit that will serve them well throughout their careers.
Leith Innes, a former Champion jockey who now leads the Jockey Academy in Cambridge, emphasises the importance of such competitions in developing well-rounded jockeys. “We focus not just on riding skills, but also on nutrition, fitness, sports psychology, and media interaction,” Innes explains. “The championship provides a perfect opportunity for apprentices to put all these skills into practice in a high-pressure environment.”
Recent Successes
The success of our apprentice jockey programme is evident in the achievements of recent graduates. Lily Sutherland, for instance, claimed the most recent apprentice title at the age of 20, showcasing the young talent coming through the ranks. Such success stories serve as inspiration for the next generation of aspiring jockeys.
The Path to Apprenticeship
Becoming an apprentice jockey is no easy feat. As Denby-Rose Tait, a South Island apprentice jockey, explains, “A probation period runs for generally around 12 months, you have to do about 35 trial rides and at least 30 at a satisfactory level.” This rigorous process ensures that only those with the necessary skills and dedication make it to the championship level.
The New Zealand Equine Academy, with campuses in Auckland and Cambridge, offers another pathway into the profession. Their NZQA-endorsed certifications at Level 2 and 3 are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the racing industry, including as apprentice jockeys.
Challenges and Rewards
The life of an apprentice jockey comes with its unique set of challenges. Weight management is a constant concern, as Tait notes, “You just have to work hard at it (weight), but when you ride raceday and ride a winner or two, it’s all worth it.”
However, the rewards can be substantial. As Innes points out, “With the money Entain have put into the stakes, it can be a very lucrative job if you are successful.” The National Apprentice Jockeys Championship offers a taste of this success, with the added bonus of national recognition.
Looking to the Future
As our racing industry continues to evolve, so too does the National Apprentice Jockeys Championship. There’s ongoing discussion about how to make the competition even more representative and beneficial for the participants. Ideas being considered include incorporating more diverse race types and distances, and potentially including opportunities for international competition, similar to the National Apprentice Race Series in Australia.
The championship also plays a crucial role in promoting the sport to a younger audience. By showcasing young talent, it helps to attract new fans and potentially new participants to the world of horse racing.
In conclusion, the National Apprentice Jockeys Championship is more than just a competition – it’s a vital part of our racing ecosystem. It nurtures talent, promotes excellence, and helps ensure the continued vitality of our racing industry. As we look to the future, the championship will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of racing stars, carrying forward our proud tradition of producing world-class jockeys.