Industry training

Jockeys are people who are licensed to ride horses in races.

Being a jockey can be a tough but rewarding career. Size, fitness and skill are all important factors in becoming a jockey, as is a love of horses and a desire to win!  Jockeys enjoy working with horses, have a light build, are athletic with a good sense of balance, have steady nerves and a fierce competitive streak.

Jockeys must be licenced to work. This licence can be obtained from the specific State Principle Racing Authority.  To become a jockey in WA, you have to complete an apprenticeship with Racing WA.

The Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP) is a 4 year, full-time apprenticeship program that needs to be completed in order to become a jockey. The program has strict entry requirements and is designed to develop high-performance athletes for an international career in racing. Racing WA partners with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID 22215) to deliver National Recognised Training for the apprenticeship where graduates gain formal qualifications as part of their studies.

Apprentices have access to the following benefits, specialists and services throughout the program:

• One-on-one coaching with apprentice jockey coach’s
• On the job training from a nominated race horse trainer
• Education and training classes to support their studies
• Ongoing professional growth and development opportunities
• 24/7 support from the Racing Training team
• Access to jockey wellbeing assistance program (third party registered sports psychologist)
• Jockey sports doctor
• Nutrition, health and fitness support
• Racing riding, performance analysis
• Media, finance and business skills
• Income from riding in races plus 5% of any prize money earnt
  

Please see training information brochure below.

A trackwork rider helps exercise a racehorse by walking, trotting and galloping it under the instruction of the horse’s trainer in preparation for races. Trackwork riders are similar to jockeys, however do not ride in races and don’t have to be as light as a jockey. Many trackwork riders are employed by trainers, although many are freelance and ride for a number of different trainers each day and get paid per horse they ride.

There is a real need for Trackwork riders in Western Australia in both regional and metropolitan areas of the State, with many trainers seeking people with riding experience to ride trackwork. Experienced trackwork riders are able to travel throughout Australia and gain work wherever there is a race track.

The Trackwork Rider Training Program for industry participants gives existing workers the opportunity to complete Nationally Accredited Training, refine their current skills and knowledge in their occupation and provides a pathway to the RWWA Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP).

However, participants can complete the program even if they do not wish to apply for an apprenticeship as a jockey. As this is an industry initiative training program.

Intakes occur annually into the Trackwork Rider Training Program. The next intake will be November 2025.

Please see Information Brochure below:

A stablehand helps care for racehorses under the instruction of the horse’s trainer.

In the harness racing industry, an individual can be licensed as a driving stablehand, which means that they also help to exercise a racehorse in preparation for races under the supervision of the horse’s trainer.

If desired, a driving stablehand can progress towards being a Harness Driver. Harness Drivers are similar to jockeys in that they drive in races, however there are not the same weight and size restrictions as there are for being a jockey.

Racing WA (RWWA) in partnership with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID 22215) offer an industry initiative training Program.

The Junior Driver Training Program is a requirement for industry participants who currently hold a C-grade license and would like to progress to their B-grade license.  The program gives participants the opportunity to complete Nationally Accredited Training, refine their current skills and knowledge, and provides a pathway for development to becoming a fully licensed Harness Driver.

However, participants can complete the program even if they do not wish to apply for a B-grade license.

Course will be scheduled as required and based on demand.

Please see training information brochure below.

Stablehands are an integral part of any racing stable and may work in either a thoroughbred or harness racing stable.

They assist with many daily tasks that are completed in a stable including; feeding, catching, grooming and preparing horses for work, as well as cleaning and manintaing stables.

Whilst working as a stablehand can involve early mornings and weekend work, the opportunity to work alongside horses daily offers a rewards career.

Racing WA (RWWA) in partnership with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID 22215) offer an industry initiative training Program.

The Stable Fundamentals Program offers individuals with the desire to pursue a career in the racing industry, the opportunity to learn the basic skills and knowledge required to begin employment within the racing industry.

Courses are based at the Off the Track WA Estate in North Dandalup and are scheduled regularly throughout the year.

Please see training information brochure below.