RV continues to plot industry pathways 

Racing Victoria’s (RV) workforce development programs have enjoyed some notable success this year, with a wide range of new and existing initiatives creating pathways into the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry… 

Stable Start

Six Stable Start programs have been delivered across metropolitan and regional Victoria since the start of the year, with a total of 50 participants successfully completing mandatory stablehand units for licensing. As its name suggests, Stable Start is designed to equip new entrants with foundational stable and horse-handling skills. The five-day program, which takes places in a simulated stable environment, continues to provide a reliable entry pathway for new industry participants.

Trackwork Rider Program

The program was created to provide further opportunities for capable riders seeking to progress their careers. Six intakes have been conducted this year with 22 participants, most with minimal previous track-riding experience. The training blocks include mechanical horse tuition, veterinary theory and strength and conditioning sessions. RV also hosts track rider school sessions at Southside Racing for those who require more one-on-one tutoring with their riding, with 12 Victorian trackwork riders participating in the additional training to improve their skills. 

Rider Development Squad (RDS)

The RDS provides skill coaching and development, specialist services and education such as exercise and conditioning and nutrition to existing track work riders who want to develop their skills and be the best riders they can be. The program focuses predominantly on skill refinement, professional standards and raceday readiness. This year, the RDS has provided structured coaching and education for 70 existing and emerging track work riders. It also provides a pathway for aspiring jockeys to enter the Apprentice Jockey Squad (AJS).  

Apprentice Jockey Squad (AJS)

A new initiative launched in 2025, the AJS is the precursor to RV’s renowned Apprentice Jockey Training Program. Once a member of the AJS is deemed ready to race ride, he or she can then enter the Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP). In 2025, 12 riders were inducted into the AJS, with 10 remaining active. Of these, six transitioned into the AJTP and are now race riding. This new program enables RV to assess rider readiness before formal apprenticeship, and delivers a scalable model for early-stage talent development.

Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP)

A total of 40 apprentices remain in training across all year levels. The AJTP is an elite athlete program which includes study in the Certificate IV Jockey. It encompasses coaching, nutrition, mental and physical fitness, developing financial acumen, personal marketing and brand management.

Pony Club Victoria (PCV) – Ride to Time

RV’s extended partnership with PCV delivered timed-speed education and competitions statewide. RV’s workforce development team, including jockey Tayla Childs, attended approximately 20 rally days and 10 zone qualifier days throughout 2025. Ride To Time remains a grassroots initiative designed to identify and develop young talent, foster an appreciation of equine welfare and forge connections for a future career in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Box Hill Institute & School Engagement

As part of its ongoing collaboration with the Box Hill Institute for its Equine Studies practical training, RV assisted in delivering six on-site sessions at various locations. In a simulated stable environment, students learned to saddle racehorses, use race-day gear, put a horse on the walker and safely walk horses in and out of the tie-ups. RV also hosted eight school and tertiary tours on racedays, showcasing career pathways and racing operations. Each tour hosted between 12 and 20 students.

Work Experience and Student Placements

Eight students completed placements across departments including Welfare, Stewards, Programming and Veterinary Services. The placements provide first-hand exposure to racing careers and strengthen education-to-employment links.

Pony Club Rider Development Day

A total of 30 pony club riders and their parents visited RV’s headquarters, where they received mechanical horse coaching, participated in a strength and conditioning session with the Victorian Institute of Sport, and heard from the RV Stewards and Equine Welfare teams whilst their parents toured the offices and learned more about the organisation’s roles and responsibilities.

Pony Club Australia (PCA) Nationals Riders’ Retreat

As a sponsor of the PCA National Championships at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, RV hosted the Riders’ Retreat – a space for riders and their families to relax, recharge and reconnect. RV also engaged with participants about the Ride to Time program, which generated strong enthusiasm for pony racing and career pathways in racing. In addition, RV also presented education seminars, with General Manager – Equine Welfare Mel Ware giving a tutorial on equine welfare and Workforce Development Program Lead Danielle Smith presenting on careers in racing.