Stable Employee Trackwork Rider Mandatory Accreditation FAQs
1 August 2023
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. What are the levels of accreditation?
There are three levels for approved trackwork riders – (1) slow work (2) fast work and (3) jump-outs.
Q. 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.
Q. 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 [insert link] and consider your personal level of skills, knowledge, and experience and enrol to be accredited at the highest level you currently regularly ride.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. I’ve been riding trackwork for 20 years, why do I need to be accredited?
A process of reconginising 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 experinece.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. Can I claim the cost of Trackwork Rider courses on my Tax?
Training should , you should consult your tax accountant.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. Will I need to get accredited every year?
No, you will not. Your accreditation does not expire.