THE start of the new racing season at Bellewstown may have been disrupted by the rain, but the Co Meath track is always trying new things and recently announced details of its inaugural Barney Curley DAFA Apprentice Series Bursary.

The programme will be restricted to apprentices who have ridden less than 20 winners at the start of the current turf season and will consist of six races starting at Bellewstown on April 13th, moving to Roscommon in May, Gowran Park in June, and two other dates to be confirmed – with the series finale to be held at Bellewstown on October 2nd.

On each race day, a senior jockey will walk the course with the participating apprentices and the stewards will invite them into the stewards’ room to review the running of the race.

The winning jockey of each race in the series will receive an additional five hours with their jockey coach, funded by HRI’s equuip department.

The overall series winner will get an additional 10 hours of jockey coaching (sponsored by equuip), a day’s tuition at RACE, high performance analysis from fitness coach Wayne Middleton and physio Gavin Egan, financial advice from Gateway Consultants, a session with sports psychologist Dr Ciara Losty, and a financial contribution towards a working holiday in another yard – subject to their employer’s approval.

The apprentice’s master will also be entitled to welcome into their yard the RACE mobile unit which can provide onsite training for other staff members.

Alan Delany, vice-chair of Bellewstown, said: “We believe this series is a fitting legacy to the memory of Barney Curley, who was globally renowned and respected for his nurturing, mentoring and coaching of young, immature apprentice jockeys over many decades.”

Further information on the series is available from Bellewstown manager Kevin Coleman on 087-6860639, or by emailing bellewstownraces@gmail.com