Irish jockeys have dominated the jumping ranks both in their own country and the UK for several decades, so where better for aspiring Australian cross-country riders to go to fast track their learning and skillset than the Emerald Isle?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In recent seasons a number of Irish jockeys — the likes of Tom Ryan, Paddy Flood and John Allen — have come to boost the jumps riding stocks in this country where Steve Pateman has ruled the roost for a number of years.
Now Australian racing authorities have adopted a coals-to-Newcastle approach by introducing a scholarship to give a handful of up-and-coming Australian pilots the chance to learn from the best in their own backyard.
Racing Victoria will send several youngsters to The Curragh in County Kildare, the home of Irish racing, to spend time at RACE, the Irish racing industry's apprentice school and racing academy.
They will be based there for a fortnight where they will get the chance to brush up on their technique, both in the classroom and through practical lessons when they are sent to the stables of some of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers. There they will get the chance to ride work and school horses every morning.
The Australian hopefuls will also receive specialised riding tuition from experienced RACE jockey coaches.
The scholarship will also include a trip to several Irish breeding operations, including Coolmore Stud, and attendance at Point to Point and meetings under the rules of the Irish Turf Club where riders will take part in course walks with jockey coaches.
RV's Lisa Coffey, originally a native of Kildare, has put the package together and she believes young riders might also be able to line up future employment opportunities.
"It will provide a fantastic gateway for Australian riders to build a network of contacts in Ireland, potentially creating an opportunity to return to Ireland in the Australian off-season," she said.
