The Accelerator Program is a 12-week trackwork training course that will see participants critiqued and mentored by the best jockeys in the game, including Hugh Bowman, Glen Boss, Tommy Berry, Kathy O’Hara, Nash Rawiller, Rachel King, Sam Clipperton and Kerrin McEvoy.
Hall of Fame retired jockey Darren Beadman will also be overseeing the progression of the riders throughout the program.
Trainees will live on campus at Western Sydney University's Richmond base while receiving intensive training and education before graduating with a qualification that will open doors to Australia's leading stables, with employment upon completion of the program guaranteed.
Recently returned to Sydney from Hong Kong, Clipperton said this is a unique opportunity to pursue an exhilarating career, whilst learning from the best in the business.
Gai Waterhouse and Sam Clipperton
“We all think we've got the best job in the world; riding the fastest horses for a living. The Accelerator Program is about creating opportunities to become a part of that.
“If you've always wondered what it would be like to ride some of the world's best racehorses and get paid to do it, whether you're into bull riding or show jumping like I was, this is your chance to start the journey."
Champion trainer Chris Waller said there was always a need for quality trackwork riders.
“Whether you train two or 200 horses, one of the main areas that trainers struggle with is finding good track riders. It is so important to have good riders that you can rely on for accurate feedback and to help educate and prepare your horses for their race targets.
“Whether you train two or 200 horses, one of the main areas that trainers struggle with is finding good track riders.” – Chris Waller
“We have already taken on a number of staff through Thoroughbred Industry Careers, two of which are riders and they have already become a big asset to our team.
“I consider the Accelerator Program another string to their bow and the very fact that you have some of the biggest industry names backing it, shows how important it is to keep our wonderful industry moving forward and to ensure the future of the sport.”
Chris Waller
Gai Waterhouse emphasised the valued role track riders played in the industry.
“Good track riders are an essential part of any racing stable, both here and overseas,” she said.
“Horses need skilled and competent riders who can educate them, help keep them fit, and assist us in the training process. There has never been a better time for capable horsemen to be involved in racing.”
Godolphin’s Vin Cox said the timing of the course offered an outstanding opportunity.
"Track riding is one of the most valued and important roles in the industry, and in Australia right now, track riders are in short supply.
"Track riding is one of the most valued and important roles in the industry, and in Australia right now, track riders are in short supply." – Vin Cox
“The Accelerator Program will aim to reach those who possess the right horsemanship qualities to be successful, and to be guided by some of the best jockeys in the world is the icing on the cake. This program will give riders a leg-up into the best stables in Australia."
Cox’s thoughts were echoed by Tony McEvoy, of McEvoy Mitchell Racing:
“Initiatives like the Accelerator Program are very important to our industry. We are one of the major stables in the country and the biggest problem everyone faces is getting young riders who are trained and qualified to the level this job requires,” he said.
Tony McEvoy (left)
“These people are vital to our industry. I would ask all the trainers and pre-trainers in the thoroughbred industry to get behind this program.”
Lindsay Park Racing’s Ben Hayes also threw his support behind the program.
“Track riders are essential to the daily operation of training racehorses and without high calibre track riders, we cannot function.
“Track riders are essential to the daily operation of training racehorses and without high calibre track riders, we cannot function.” – Ben Hayes
“To have highly skilled track riders in our team, who we can rely on to carry out the work and provide important feedback is imperative, and the more people who are trained up in this role, the better.
“The Accelerator Program aims to do this and we look forward to welcoming graduates to Lindsay Park.”
The Accelerator Program is the latest offering from TIC, a not-for-profit which is aiming to secure the long-term future of the thoroughbred industry by raising the curtain on careers and creating more pathways for people to become involved.
Arrowfield Stud, Chris Waller Racing, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, Godolphin, Lindsay Park Racing, McEvoy Mitchell Racing, and The Australian Turf Club united to form TIC in 2018 for the betterment of the industry.
Applications for the Accelerator Program open on July 11 and close on August 21, 2020. The program will commence on September 14, 2020.
