Can you explain what your role entails with Jockey Coaching in equuip?

My title here at equuip is Industry Business Partner. I oversee the jockey coaching programme. It is my responsibility to match jockeys with their coaches when they receive their licence. I do this in a way which is beneficial for the jockey. If issues arise, I assist to develop a resolution.

I record all jockeys’ continuous professional development [CPD] hours for the jockey coaches. CPD was implemented last year and it is now a requirement for all licensed jockeys to obtain 10 points each year. Five are obtained when jockeys liaise with their coaches and the other five are garnered through online seminars and engagement with the Jockey Pathway.

The jockey coaches gained their qualification through extensive training with the renowned coach of coaches Liam Moggan. My contribution is to ensure that everybody within the chain engages frequently and that the system functions effectively.

How many coaches are involved in the jockey coaching department?

Niall McCullagh and Paddy Flood cover the northern and eastern region. Robbie Moran covers the southern region and Derek O’Connor covers the western region.

In what ways does equuip support aspiring and professional jockeys in terms of sports science (e.g. nutrition, strength and conditioning, and in general physical and mental fitness)?

Jockeys are supported physically and mentally through the Jockey Pathway Programme. Strength and conditioning coach Wayne Middleton customises programmes which assist jockeys to increase and improve strength, endurance, flexibility, core stability, and balance as well as helping jockeys rehabilitate after injury.

Nutritionist Gillian O’Loughlin ensures jockeys are well informed on how to maintain a healthy diet whilst meeting required weights in a sustainable manner. Sports psychologist Ciara Losty assists with mental preparation aiding jockeys to perform to an optimum standard.

Through the Irish Injured Jockeys initiative Gavin Egan now provides physiotherapy to jockeys both on course and off course at the campus in RACE, as well as managing injury rehabilitation and injury prevention. All providers assist jockeys to perform in a healthier and more sustainable way. Services are overseen by Dr Jennifer Pugh.

How important is mentorship in jockeys’ careers and are young riders paired with experienced professionals?

Mentorship took place on an ad hoc basis previously through our Jockey Connect initiative which later evolved into jockey coaching. Formalising this process was one of the main reasons behind the establishment of jockey coaching.

Imparting advice on how to become a more rounded jockey in terms of skillsets is one aspect. Jockey coaches and more experienced riders support new jockeys in all walks of their lives.

Our jockey coaches are well versed in terms of rules, regulations and raceday procedures. Mentors can provide emotional support when stressful situations arise. The jockey pathway provides a great ecosystem in which jockeys are supported and encouraged to progress.

How does equuip address issues like weight management, injury recovery and mental resilience for riders?

Jockeys are supported within the jockey pathway in terms of jockey coaching, physiotherapy, nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports psychology and career services. Equuip also provide support and guidance in terms of crisis moments within the industry.

As a current jockey, how have you seen opportunities for female riders evolve and what advice would you give young female riders?

I have not specifically seen any notable change in the particular opportunities open to female jockeys, aside from the increase in opportunities for apprentices by the changes in the conditions for some of the ladies qualified rider flat races to allow apprentices to ride in them.

But I have seen a great change in our knowledge of what women in the sport are capable of.

Rachael Blackmore and others, whose successes have set new benchmarks and destroyed long-standing industry boundaries, have mostly propelled this progress.

Their achievements have not only encouraged many women to confidently approach being a jockey as a career and not just a hobby but it has also changed public perception on the possibilities of what female riders can achieve.

Ladies’ races are a springboard for success and opportunities for female riders. They act as a catalyst for a rider to get the opportunity to showcase their talent on a horse that they wouldn’t otherwise be afforded the chance to ride.

Success in ladies’ races - and the growing support and services given to every jockey - have made a professional career more attainable for women. These tools provide an environment where female jockeys may flourish and show their talents on par with their male colleagues.

How does equuip assist jockeys to prepare for career transitions, whether due to retirement or injury?

We use an amazing career coach in Jeff Gomez. He’s also part of the Jockey Pathway programme.

Jeff is incredibly knowledgeable and works closely with many elite athletes from other disciplines.

He talks through what training courses are available to the jockeys and how they can avail of them.

Equuip also provides an online financial literacy programme and hold jockey specific financial guidance workshops through Seamus Murphy from Gateway Consultants.

These supports are available to jockeys at any stage of their careers.

What advice would you give to young riders who dream of making it as a professional jockey?

I believe you should surround yourself with individuals who you admire. If you have the desire, give it a go and strive to be the best.

I would also encourage girls to stick with sport in their teenage years, as research suggests that girls are twice as likely as boys to drop out of sport.

What projects or initiatives are you working on?

I’m continuing to oversee the Jockey Coaching programme and work closely with jockeys to help, advise and signpost them for whatever they need.

I also work closely with the team in RACE to run schooling courses and Junior Academy days. Junior Academy days are a fantastic initiative.

They act as an introduction to the industry for children aged 10-16 and they help to instil a passion for horseracing.

I’m incredibly blessed to work with a great team in equuip. I’m not one for sitting behind a desk all day.

To have found a role that allows me to work so closely with people in the industry whilst continuing to race-ride is something I count my lucky stars for every day.