THE Irish Jockeys’ Trust was founded on November 21st 1975 and is a registered charity (CHY 8896). Applications are considered for support from professionally licensed jockeys, apprentice jockeys and retired licensed jockeys (and/or their families), where there is financial distress that has resulted from one of the following: injury, incapacity, or age.

The Trust also employs an industry specific career coach who can guide and support licensed jockeys and retired licensed jockeys when seeking to return to education or upskilling. Alongside this, jockeys can also apply for an educational grant towards courses.

Short-lived

The career of a jockey is short-lived and high risk. Many who enter the industry do so out of love and passion for the horse, when the time comes to hang up the boots the Trust recognises that many jockeys have put their education on hold to focus on their career.

Our career coach is available to assist, coach and support jockeys through this transition and help them find their way back to education so they may re-enter the industry at a different capacity or find a new career outside of the industry. The Trust has helped more than 100 jockeys return to education across a variety of industries such as forestry, law, and business, alongside many different apprenticeships. However, many wish to up-skill and remain a part of Irish horseracing.

The Trust conducted a survey among jockeys in 2022 and the findings showed that out of 67 respondents, only 32% had completed the Leaving Cert. The survey also showed that at the stage of retirement 74% of riders wished to stay working in the industry.

When returning to education, this information has been vital when sourcing the right kind of courses for jockeys so that they can make the transition to successful careers within the industry.

The Trust does not charge for career coaching and confidentiality is guaranteed.

Katie McManmon can be contacted at any time via email if anyone wishes to avail of this service, her email address is katiemcmanmon@gmail.com or more information can be found at Irishjockeystrust.ie or info@ijt.ie.

What’s stopping you?

IF you are interested in a career with thoroughbreds, look no further. It’s all systems go at RACE this spring with various courses and training days on offer to meet industry requirements. We will be kicking off in 2024 with a range of courses to suit different levels of industry entrants and staff. All normal schooling courses including schooling preparation and schooling progression with Derek O’Connor will be shortly recommencing in the coming weeks as well as jockeys’ and trainers’ licensing courses.

The QQI Level 5 evening lecture series in Horsemanship for the Thoroughbred Industry will be beginning in late January, with our first 2024 modules Horse Breeding and Communications. The modules are offered via hybrid delivery and provide an ideal opportunity to up-skill and gain an equine-related qualification whilst continuing in full-time employment.

A range of other courses and training dates will be advertised via RACE social medial platforms. For further information on any of our courses and upcoming training, please contact the RACE office.

T: +353 (0)45 522 468

E: enquiries@racingacademy.ie