Trackwork Rider Accreditation

Focusing on the skills and knowledge required for safe trackwork riding in Victorian racing.

Racing Victoria has mandatory accreditation requirements for all Trackwork riders. Below is information on how to participate in training to be accredited as a Trackwork Rider in Victoria.

All Trackwork Riders must be accredited to ride trackwork in Victoria. There are three levels of accreditation – (1) Slow Work (2) Fast Work and (3) Jump Outs – to ensure all trackwork riders are ‘fit for purpose’ and can carry out their work in a safe and competent manner.

Each of the top two levels of accreditation incorporate the standards of the lower levels. For example, trackwork riders accredited at the highest level, Jump Outs, can ride Slow and Fast Work also. 

New Trackwork Riders 

All new applications for stable employee registration with category Trackwork Rider, must either have evidence of competency (as per below) or be enrolled in a Trackwork Rider course. Evidence accepted includes:

• Certificate III Racing (Trackwork Rider).
• Certificate IV Racing (jockey):
• 22534VIC – Course in Trackwork Riding for Slow Work;
• 22535VIC – Course in Trackwork Riding for Fast Work;
• 22536VIC – Course in Trackwork Riding for Jump Outs.
• Jockeys, including those who have previously held a Picnic or Jumps Jockey license (must have evidence).
• RGRPSH205 Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry 
• RGRPSH306 Develop basic trackwork riding skills 
• RGRPSH205 Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry 
• RGRPSH306 Develop basic trackwork riding skills 
• RGRPSH307 Exercise horses in pace work
• RGRPSH404 Ride horses at trackwork 
• RGRPSH205 Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry 
• RGRPSH306 Develop basic trackwork riding skills 
• RGRPSH307 Exercise horses in pace work
• RGRPSH404 Ride horses at trackwork 
• RGRPSH405 Ride horses in jump outs (jump outs).

To be accredited for slow work the applicant must have completed the following units:

To be accredited for fast work the applicant must have completed the following units:

To be accredited for jump outs the applicant must have completed the following units:

If a new stable employee wants to ride trackwork and does not have evidence of competency (above), they must enrol in a Trackwork Rider course.  Evidence of enrolment is to be provided at the time of registration and must be completed within 12 months of enrolment.

The requirements set out above for new Trackwork Riders also applies to new applications for registrations in Victoria from Interstate and International Trackwork Riders (Note: These conditions do not apply to visiting and short-term Stable Employees (Trackwork Riders).

Interstate or International Trackwork Riders

Interstate or International Trackwork Riders transferring to Victoria must meet the same accreditation requirements as Victorian licensed Trackwork Riders or complete the process of recognised prior learning (RPL), requiring international applicants to complete and submit an International Trackwork Rider Application for Skills Recognition form.

For RPL via the International and Interstate Trackwork Rider Application for Skills Recognition form, the applicant must provide RV with proof of:

• Registration with another PRA or international racing body (if they register trackwork riders) for a minimum of two (2) years. 
• Evidence of trackwork riding which may include a statutory declaration citing dates, employers and locations during the most recent two years of track work riding experience; and/or supporting written advice from PRAs and past employers.
• Evidence of past registration in the form of copies of cards or other documentation must be provided to RV, plus training certificates including the units/topics that were studied. In the case of those registered as a jockey or an apprentice, they must provide evidence of race riding to support their application; and
• If the RPL requirement has been satisfied, then RV will consider the level of past riding experience when allocating category of Trackwork Rider.  If RPL has not been demonstrated, they will need to enrol in a Trackwork Rider course with a Registered Training Provider (RTO).
   

Trackwork riding courses are part of the vocational education and training sector and as such government funding may be available for those undertaking training and assessment. The courses will provide trackwork riders with formal recognition of their skills. 

If you have not previously ridden Trackwork you can access training through Racing Victoria’s Trackwork Rider program, which is in partnership with the Racing Education Centre. To access the program, you need to lodge your application here.

Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who are independently engaged or employed as trackwork riders to exercise thoroughbred horses on the instruction of a trainer in the racing industry.  

The qualification may be completed as a Traineeship and is a prerequisite for any trackwork rider that may wish to be considered for selection into the Apprentice Jockey Training Program.

Racing Victoria’s Trackwork Rider Program includes the following units

• ACMEQU208 Manage personal health and fitness 
• BSBWHS211 Contribute to health and safety of self & others 
• RGRCMN203 Comply with racing industry ethics and integrity 
• RGRPSH201 Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork 
• RGRPSH205 Perform basic riding skills in the racing industry
• RGRPSH209 Attend horses at race meetings and trials 
• RGRPSH211 Work effectively in the horse racing industry 
• RGRPSH304 Identify factors that affect racehorse fitness 
• RGRPSH309 Implement feeding programs for racehorses under direction
• RGRPSH306 Develop basic trackwork riding skills 
• RGRPSH307 Exercise horses in pace work 
• RGRPSH404 Ride horses at trackwork 
• ACMEQU205 Apply knowledge of horse behaviour 
• HLTAID011 Provide first aid 
• RGRPSH207 Perform racing stable duties 
• RGRPSH303 Organise and oversee transportation of horses 
• RGRPSH308 Provide first aid & emergency care for horses  
• RGRPSH407 Educate thoroughbred horses for racing

You can also contact the below RTOs directly to enrol into the Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider), or a trackrider skillset.

Skillinvest Limited 

David Cookson
M: 0439 552 402 
E: david.cookson@skillinvest.com.au
W: https://www.skillinvest.com.au

Racing Education Centre 
Leigh Graham
P: 0427 380 503 / 03 5449 3590
E: leigh.graham@racingeducation.org
W: http://www.racingeducation.org

Access Trackwork Rider Training through our Slow Trackwork Rider course. More information here.

What’s the current Stable Employee (Trackwork Rider) Registration Policy?

The Stable Employee Registration Policy was amended so from 1 August 2022 all Trackwork Riders in Victoria demonstrate competency to ride, at slow, fast or jump-out level. Any new applicants applying for trackwork registration from 1 August 2022 are required to complete the trackwork rider course prior to being registered as a Trackwork Rider with Racing Victoria.

Who needs to be accredited in Victoria to ride trackwork?

All persons employed as a stable employee who ride trackwork at private or industry training venues must be accredited. Jockeys are exempt as they have previously undertaken a skills assessment as part of their Jockey licensing.

Why do track riders need to be accredited?

Safety is the number one reason. Having everyone at a certain standard is key to maintaining safe working environments for all. Being able to identify who rides at what level will assist to keep people safe. Official accreditation provides certification in the form of a qualification. 

What are the levels of accreditation?

There are three levels for approved trackwork riders – (1) slow work (2) fast work and (3) jump-outs.

Will riders be accredited at one level only?

Yes, but a rider accredited for Jump Outs will be permitted to do Slow Work and Fast Work also; while a rider accredited for Fast Work is permitted to do Slow Work also.

I currently ride slow work and want to be accredited in fast work also.  Can I do this?  How and when?

You should review the performance criteria for each of the courses in the Course Summary and consider your personal level of skills, knowledge, and experience and enrol to be accredited at the highest level you currently regularly ride. 

What happens if I get accredited in fast work and want to do jump-outs?

After a period of accreditation and after undertaking training and developing your skills and knowledge you may enrol to be assessed at a higher-level of accreditation.

What if I am not accredited by the Relicensing Period in July 2022?  

You will not be permitted to ride trackwork in accordance with the Stable Employee Registration Policy. 

I’ve been riding trackwork for 20 years, why do I need to be accredited?

A process of recognising those that have been registered over several seasons as a Trackwork Rider has been undertaken, many existing Trackwork Riders have been accredited on the basis of past experience.

I’m a licensed jockey, do I need to be accredited for trackwork?

No, you have already undertaken a safety, skills and knowledge assessment at a level higher than the trackwork rider accreditation.

I’m a trainer who rides my own work, do I need to get a track rider accreditation myself?

The current Licensing Policy updates only apply to Stable Employees that ride trackwork. There are no changes being made to the Trainers Licensing Policy at this time that will require Trainers that ride their own trackwork to complete this course. The Trainers Licensing Policy will remain the subject of ongoing discussions.

How do I obtain a trackwork rider accreditation?

You need to enrol with a Registered Training Organisations (RTO) who is approved to train and assess in trackwork rider courses will support the accreditation process.   

Will the trackwork rider accreditation cost me money?

Trackwork riding courses are part of vocational education and training sector and as such government funding is available for those undertaking training and assessment. There is usually a fee that students would need to pay. Concession card discounts may apply.  Contact RTOs currently offering trackwork rider training as per above.  

Can I claim the cost of Trackwork Rider courses on my Tax?

Training should , you should consult your tax accountant.

Is this a nationally recognised course?

Yes, this course is a nationally recognised course accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority.  This ensures the course can be delivered by registered training organisations and is nationally recognised and meets industry standards.

How will people identify what level of trackwork I can ride?  

Firstly, it will be the responsibility of the trainer (employer) to ensure that trackwork riders work within their level of accreditation, for example, if you have a slow work accreditation you should not be asked to do fast work.
Secondly, training venues will be provided with a report identifying each trackwork riders level of accreditation from August 2022. They should monitor jump-outs and trackwork to ensure riders only ride to their accredited level. 
You will also have your registration card as evidence of your level of accreditation that may be checked by stewards or track officials.

I only ride trackwork occasionally, do I still need accreditation?

Yes, if you want to rider trackwork you need to be accredited, this also applies at private training venues.

English is my second language, can I get assistance?

The training organisation has trainers and assessors that will support you with modified assessments if required, you just need to let them know you need some additional support.

Will my trackwork rider accreditation be accepted in other states?

Other racing authorities are currently reviewing their education and mandatory training requirements.  If other states require trackwork riders to have a formal course qualification this course is a national recognised course. How the qualification is applied to the licensing requirements will be at each state’s discretion.

Will I need to get accredited every year?

No, you will not. Your accreditation does not expire.