Doors to making the dreams of young people come true as jockeys, work riders, farriers, equestrian assistants, veterinary clinical technicians and many more are now open until 5 July 2024 as the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Talent Training Centre (RTTC) is recruiting a new intake of Racing Trainees. The internationally-accredited training programme will have the next emerging talents of the racing industry in the making.
Mr Andrew Harding, Club Executive Director, Racing said: “The Club is committed to training racing talents and providing resources to various training programmes, encouraging more young people to join the horse racing industry. This recruitment effort further demonstrates the Club’s dedication to continuously cultivating racing talents and promoting Hong Kong’s world-class racing industry.”
Racing Trainee applicants must be aged 15 or above and have completed Form 3 or higher education. There are no height limits or prior riding experience required. The reference weights of apprentice jockeys and work riders are approximately 105lb and 125lb, respectively. Candidates who are diligent and possess a positive and proactive attitude, as well as having a passion and aptitude for sports are encouraged to apply.
Riding instructors at the Apprentice Jockeys’ School will conduct riding and fitness tests in July and August to select potential candidates for shortlisting and enrolment in an orientation camp. The top 25 applicants will then be selected to join the programme.
Ms Amy Chan, Club Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, encourages young people with a passion for the racing industry to apply for the programme: “The training provided by the RTTC not only produces jockeys and riders but also prepares trainees for other crucial roles within Hong Kong racing, such as instructors, farriers, and many more.”
A Dual Education System is applied at the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, combining school-based learning with vocational training. This approach ensures that trainees not only receive a well-rounded education but also acquire different skills to meet the needs of various positions. Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including riding, stable management, physical training, financial management and traditional academic subjects.
In addition, Racing Trainees will have the opportunity to travel overseas for training, experiencing different cultures and broadening their horizons before returning to Hong Kong.
Jockey Angus Chung, who joined the Apprentice Jockeys’ School as a Racing Trainee in 2017, graduated to senior riding ranks with 70 wins in Hong Kong in May 2024 after less than two years as an apprentice jockey. He thanked the Apprentice Jockeys’ School for the comprehensive training programme including his nearly three-year overseas training in South Australia: “The structured training and trust from the Club have helped me find an ideal path tailored to my interests and capabilities in the racing industry. I have also greatly benefited from our world-class instructors on my journey to becoming a competitive jockey.”
After completing the training programme, graduates will receive a certificate equivalent to Level 1 to Level 3, accredited by The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, enhancing their competitiveness.
Anyone interested in obtaining further details about the Racing Trainees Programme and applying can visit the RTTC website at www.hkjc.com/rttc.
The Club has been offering comprehensive racing training programmes through the Apprentice Jockeys’ School for over 50 years. Many graduates have achieved remarkable success, including legendary jockey-turned-trainer Tony Cruz, champion trainer Ricky Yiu and outstanding homegrown jockey Vincent Ho.
