Apprentice Jockey Programs

The Apprentice Jockey Training Program is a high-performance athlete program operated by Racing Victoria.

Its aim is to provide a continuous improvement environment that develops professional athletes for sustainable and successful riding careers.

Qualification

Prior to acceptance into the Apprentice Jockey Training Program and commencement of the Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey), a Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) is required.

Applications

2026 Applications Open Soon

For more information or questions, please email ajtp@racingvictoria.net.au

The Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) is completed during the apprenticeship*.

The RGR40211 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) course comprises the following units of study:

RGRPSH201	Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork
RGRPSH205	Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry
RGRPSH306	Develop basic trackwork riding skills
RGRPSH307	Exercise horses in pacework
RGRPSH404	Ride horses at trackwork
RGRPSH405	Ride horses in jump outs
RGRPSH413	Prepare for race riding
HLTAID011	Provide First Aid
RGRPSH407	Educate thoroughbred horses for racing
RGRPSH414	Ride horses in trials
RGRCMN402	Participate in media interviews for racing
RGRTRK402	Relate animal welfare to track and environmental conditions
RGRCMN305	Participate in racing protests and inquiries
RGRPSH310	Prepare for self-management in racing
RGRPSH415	Ride horses in races
RGRPSH419	Manage principles of sports science for jockeys
RGRPSH418	Set goals to improve racing performance

*Prior to commencing Cert IV Racing (Jockey) the RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) is required.

Key Requirements
Duration: Four years (may be extended)
Key Agreements: Deed of Apprenticeship.
Classroom Frequency:
Year 1: 2 days per month
Year 2: 1 day per month
Year 3: 1 day per month
Year 4: 1 day per month

(Generally from February-December)
Program Information
The AJTP currently delivers / provides the following across the four years:
National Illicit Drugs in Sport (IDiS) Program
Specialist Providers
Apprentice Jockey Coaches
Athlete Development and Industry Careers Advisor
Jockey Wellbeing and Safety Officer
Stipendiary Steward attached to the program
Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner
Sports Science and Sports Medicine (Psychology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Chief Medical Officer,)
Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) provide lifestyle, strength and condition services and access to their facilities and other sport high-performance athletes and role models
Race Riding, Performance Analysis
Media, Finance and Business skills
Defensive Driver Training (Murcotts Driver Excellence)

As athletes in all sports have to make a decision about how long they are able to compete, apprentices will also be supported to undertake further education and training to prepare for and transition to a career post riding from.
The career benefits for leading jockeys can be significant as jockeys earn riding fees and receive a percentage of prize money so the program will also prepare athletes to manage this.
Coaches and Mentors
Darren Gauci - Apprentice Jockey Coach (Racing Victoria)
Alf Matthews - Apprentice Jockey Coach (Racing Victoria)
Ron Hall - Jockey Wellbeing and Safety Officer (Racing Victoria)
Darren Triandafillou- Stipendiary Steward (Racing Victoria)
Dr Lisa Stevens - Sports Performance
Joanna Shinewell - Sports Dietitian
Helen Walker - Physiotherapy
Danielle Smith - Apprentice Jockey Mentor
Contacts
For further information relating to the AJTP, please use the following contacts:
Danielle Smith
Workforce Development Program Lead
M: 0412 789 327
d.smith@racingvictoria.net.au

Jessica Hammersley
Workforce Development Coordinator
M: 0402 978 998
j.hamersley@racingvictoria.net.au

Ron Hall
Jockey Wellbeing and Safety Officer
M: 0411 646 160
r.hall@racingvictoria.net.au

Alf Matthews
Apprentice Jockey Coach
M: 0414 830 390
A.Matthews@racingvictoria.net.au

Darren Gauci
Apprentice Jockey Coach
M: 0417 033 866
da.gauci@racingvictoria.net.au