THE second week in July saw some fledgling jockeys humming around the campus with the group of lightweight riders reminding some of the youngsters who came through the doors in the 1970s when RACE was the ‘Apprentice Centre’. Ten riders aged 13-15 were taking part in our first week-long Invitational Junior Academy with selections based on merit and behaviour from the various Junior Academy days held during the year.

Daniel King from Cork was given a scholarship for his achievements pony racing after he won the 14.2hh pony race in Castleisland which was sponsored by RACE. We were delighted to have been involved in this event and to offer Daniel the place. He is a talent we’ll be hearing more of in the future.

Daniel King receives his scholarship at Castleisland horse and pony races

The other nine places were filled with equally competent riders and it was a sight to behold watching the talented 10 cantering around Maddenstown gallop taking a lead from instructor Paul Keating, with their matching white hat silks generously sponsored by Berneys Saddlery. It didn’t go unnoticed by Curragh trainers either with a few enquiring about the stylish riders.

Our RACE horses behaved impeccably for the week, taking great care of their young riders but the riders also took great care of the horses. They even competed for a best turned out prize which was shared between 13-year-olds Áine Connolly from Tipperary and Conor Stone Walsh from Wexford.

Day trips

The Junior Academy Camp was a fun-filled week with trips to Leopardstown racecourse, where the riders got to walk the track with Paddy Flood and also got a tour of the weighroom. Next up was a tour of the Irish National Stud patiently delivered by Anne Channon, who even kept smiling when the riders didn’t want to leave the foals, despite the torrential rain. A visit to the Curragh gallops and the Curragh Racecourse with Shane Gorey ensued, followed by a yard tour with Willie McCreery who offered sterling advice to the young audience.

Jockeys Paul Townend, Ross Coakley and Shane Foley very kindly came in to spend time with our young riders. Shane rode upsides on the gallop with each individual rider giving them some pointers and tips on how to perfect their position and build on the simulator coaching they had received from Paddy Flood which was a great success.

Shane Foley upsides Sean Bowen from Tipperary

Expert advice

Paul Townend conducted a great question and answer session and answered every question while contributing advice to each rider and telling them about his experiences as a jockey, including his hidden talent for water skiing! Ross did race reviews and spoke about the stalls offering advice on how to deal with one that’s a bit “tricky”. The riders really enjoyed the tips Ross gave with many asking “what if” questions about horses with behavioural issues in the stalls. Newly appointed IHRB communications manager, Niall Cronin, gave up his time to explain whip rules, discuss what happens in a steward’s enquiry and touched on the do’s and don’ts of social media.

With RACE now a combination of a flat and National Hunt Jockey training centre, we wanted to give the riders an opportunity to get some schooling in and this was one of the highlights of the week for many. The sessions were conducted under the expert eye of Niall Byrne, who also hosts schooling preparation courses for riders that currently hold a category A1 amateur license. Jumping enthusiasts from Tipperary Niall O’Mara, Sean Bowen, Jack Sheehan and Leah Rumble along with Alexandra Egan from Kildare had their chance to shine in the school with each requesting a shot at the chase fences as they thought the hurdles weren’t enough of a challenge!

There was very little downtime during the five-day stay at RACE, but the riders did get a chance to hone their cooking skills with a lesson from our talented chef John Miller, who is also a qualified Pilates instructor. He managed to squeeze time into his schedule for the group to enjoy an hour-long Pilates session to help release any stiffness they acquired from a week of activity.

Stars of the future

With the end of the week, came the riding display for parents and guardians. Every rider schooled in front of their families and paraded their well-groomed horses. It was then time to present the certificates and prizes. It was with great difficulty we chose a winner as the whole group showed a lot of talent, behaved well and had a genuine interest in the advice they were given. However, the winner of the Junior Academy student of the year award was deservedly won by 13-year-old Jack Kearney from Co. Meath. Jack rides out for Pat Martin and Noel Meade when he’s not in school. He showed a fantastic attitude towards everything he did that week and had an impressive work ethic. The runner up spot went to 15-year-old Yudish Geerdharry from Dublin, who rides out for Richard Brabazon and showed an immense eagerness to learn.

The Junior Academy invitational camp pictured with Paul Townend