Thirteen aspiring jockeys have joined Racing WA’s newly restructured Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP).

The TWTP provides industry participants the opportunity to complete National Accredited Training and gain their Certificate III in Racing.

Completion of the program helped put them on a path to the Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP) for those who wanted to pursue a further career in the racing industry.

Racing WA Racing Training Manager Sharyn Lancaster said it was exciting to welcome the new cohort of apprentice jockeys and help guide them through the next stage of their careers.

“The newly refined four-year apprentice jockey training program provides the perfect pathway and support for young riders on their journey to becoming senior jockeys,” she said.

“The program allows the apprentices more time to ride with a claim, while they learn the practical and theoretical side of horse racing with a cohort of their fellow apprentices.”

Racing WA Jockey Coach Peter Hall, who led the inaugural year of the TWTP, said the TWTP graduates were ready to embark on their apprenticeship journeys.

“We’ve seen success over the past few years from our apprentice program and look forward to growing the next generation of jockeys on the back of the track work riders’ program,” he said.

Racing WA Jockey Coach John Claite said it was a great opportunity for the new apprentices as they embarked on a diverse career in racing, with the new AJTP cohort commencing in October.

“It’s a big step for these young people, embarking on a new and diverse career in racing, and we all look forward to helping them grow on the road to success in the industry and in life,” he said.