Racing Trainee Recruitment of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Fact Sheet
The Racing Development Board of The Hong Kong Jockey Club will recruit a new batch of Racing Trainees starting in late July. The Board will provide a 36-week Foundation Course for all successful candidates.
Foundation Course – Racing Development Course (Cert. II)
The Apprentice Jockeys’ School will offer a wide range of subjects to help students to achieve a balanced development in areas covering intellect, physique, social skills, ethics and aesthetics.
- The curriculum will be based on the Racing Development Course (CertII), including riding, Stable Management, Horse Handling, Work Safety, Chinese, English, Liberal Studies, Physical Education, Computer Training, and life-wide learning activities.
- Racing Trainees are required to purchase school books and basic riding gear for classes
- Commencement date: 23September 2008
Salary & Benefits
- Monthly salary
- Subsidised meals
- Free accommodation
Employment
Those whohave successfully completed the Foundation Course(Cert II)with passes in all subjects and good conduct will be considered for employment in the position of Trainee Apprentice Jockey or Trainee Work Rider.
Requirement
- Aged 15 or above
- Form 3 or above
- Positive, attentive and diligent
- Passion for the racing industry and sports in general
Career Progression
- Trainee Apprentice Jockeys (TAJs) and Apprentice Jockeys (AJs)
Trainee Apprentice Jockeys (TAJs) – Racing Development Course (Cert. III)
While each TAJ needs to study the Cert III Level course, each will be deployed to a racing stable and learn more about riding and stable management through on-the-job training. At this stage, they also have the opportunities to engage in morningtrackwork, as well as taking part in jump-outs and barrier trials. During the off-season, the TAJs will also be sent to overseas countries like Australia and New Zealand, to receive further training and learn more about overseas racing cultures.
Apprentice Jockeys (AJs) Racing Development Course (Cert. IV)
A TAJ who passes all subjects in CertIII with good conduct will be promoted and receive Apprentice Jockey (AJ) training. They will first receive extended overseas training that lasts between 12 to 18 months, with opportunities to compete in races, before returning to Hong Kongto finish the Cert IV programme. Those considered accomplished riders will be granted Apprentice Jockey licences to ride in Hong Kong, one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world.
2.Trainee Work Riders and Work Riders
Trainee Work Riders (Racing Development Course (Cert. III)
Trainee Work Ridersaremainly responsible forconducting trackwork (slow and fast work-out) and giving racehorses other forms of exercise,in accordance to trainers' instructions.
While all Trainee Work Riders need to study the Cert III Level course and conducting trackwork for horses, they also need to perform other tasks such as to assist supervisors whenever the Veterinary Surgeons visit the stables; to trot horses up in hand during Vet examinations; to help supervisors in bandaging horse legs; to perform other duties associated with race days and other related pre-race preparation work; and assist in other daily duties in maintaining the efficient operation of the stables.
Work Riders (Racing Development Course (Cert. III)
Those Trainee Work Riders who pass the Cert III with satisfactory performance will be promoted as Work Riders, after receiving six to nine monthsof further training in Sha Tin.
About the Racing Development Board
Established in 2005, the Racing Development Board sets the policy and provides training for all racing industry personnel. The Board has developed a series of progressive training programmes, ranging from a basic foundation course for entry-level employees to advanced instructional material for specific racing staff. These programmes are targeted to improve the knowledge and basic skills of the Club's racing personnel, so as to further enhance the overall quality of the Club's world-class racing product.
The certificate courses organised by the Board, all come from the Racing Industry Training Package, an Australian Qualification that is recognised worldwide. We offer these qualifications under an agreement with NSW Thoroughbred Racing. All these courses can also be connected to other racing or horse management programmes overseas.
The Racing Development Boardstrives to nurture talented riding athletes of good conduct to become successful jockeys and future sports heroes. All foundation course trainees and trainee apprentice jockeys will be trained in the Board-operated Apprentice Jockeys' Schools at BeasRiver and Sha Tin.