Jockey

Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)

Description

The Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) reflects the role of independently employed persons who are responsible for organising their own work.

A jockey is an independent professional sportsperson licensed by the industry authorities to compete in industry-regulated competition. The jockey contracts riding services on a daily basis to owners and trainers. A jockey possesses the highest level of race riding and horse handling skills that require application of problem solving skills to unpredictable problems. As some of a jockey's income is derived from percentages of stake money the jockey must compete with peers to obtain the best mounts. This requires marketing and communication skills and the ability to operate autonomously in the choice of mounts, trainers, and venues.

A jockey is required to exhibit a high degree of decision-making skill during races, to exercise judgment when choosing mounts and have an ability to assess form and discriminate between mounts. The communication of performance and fitness of the horse to trainers and owners at the end of a race is a critical part of the jockey's role.

This requires in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, and health of the horse applied in the context of a competitive environment. Jockey is one of the few occupations where there is an absolute restriction on the weight of the participant, a requirement for a high degree of physical fitness and a constant reliance on performance to obtain income. It is also an occupation where non-adherence to rules or poor performance can result in fines or suspensions from riding.

Consequently, knowledge of rules and legal procedures is essential and the ability to defend reputation and livelihood in stewards' inquiries is an important requirement for a jockey. As racing is conducted at a wide range of local, national and international venues a jockey is required to identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

Qualification Requirements

To achieve a Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) you must complete:

• 26 core units
• 3 elective units

Core subjects

RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices
HLTHFA301B Apply first aid
RGRCMN001A Comply with the rules of racing and related protocols
RGRCMN202A Achieve requirements for industry induction
RGRCMN003A Manage personal health and fitness
PUACOM001B Communicate in the workplace
SRXGRO002A Deal with conflict
RGRPSH201A Handle horses
RGRPSH202A Assist with transportation of horses
RGRPSH205A Perform basic riding tasks
RGRPSH206A Develop riding skills for flatwork
RGRPSH207A Perform stable duties
RGRPSH208A Attend horses at trackwork
RGRPSH209A Attend horses at race meetings and trials
RGRPSH304A Identify factors that affect racehorse performance
RGRPSH306A Develop basic trackwork riding skills
RGRPSH307A Exercise horses in pacework
RGRPSH310A Prepare for self-management in racing
RGRPSH404A Ride horses at trackwork
RGRPSH405A Ride horses in jump outs
RGRPSH407A Educate thoroughbred horses for racing
RGRPSH413A Prepare for race riding
RGRPSH414A Ride horses in trials
RGRPSH415A Ride horses in races
RGRPSH417A Participate in protests, inquiries and appeals
RGRPSH419A Manage principles of sport science for jockeys

Electives (choose three)

BSBITU203A Communicate electronically
SRXEMR001A Respond to emergency situations
RGRCMN402A Participate in media interviews for racing
RGRPSH418A Set goals to improve racing performance

Time Frame

The Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) apprenticeship has a duration of 48 months.

Further Information

Further information for apprentices can be accessed through the Department of Employment and Training website.
www.training.qld.gov.au/apprentices/index.html

The Queensland Department of Education
and Training provides funding support for training