Expression of Interest for Careers in Racing

Racing Victoria (RV) provides several training courses which prepare people for careers in the thoroughbred racing industry.  We can also assist in connecting training recipients with employers

Are you looking to;

• start a career as a stable hand or trackwork rider
• complete mandatory stable employee training or
• complete trackwork rider accreditation?   

What we are offering:

• Training to complete the mandatory licensing requirements for stable employees;
• Training and accreditation for stable employees and experienced riders seeking a career in trackwork riding;
• Nationally recognised training qualifications;
• Fully funded training (some conditions may apply);
• Assistance finding employment.

Stable Start Program (Certificate I in Racing)

This course is aimed at preparing people who have not worked in racing to develop the basic skills, knowledge and confidence to commence work as a stable hand. Previous horse-handling experience is not required for this program.

This program is also suitable for those who have just started employment as a stable hand and have not yet completed the mandatory training, consisting of:

• BSBWHS211 (Contribute to health and safety of self and others) and
• RGRPSH201 (Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork).

The program is five consecutive days in length and comprises a theory component, assessment tasks and a great deal of practical experience with our Off The Track Thoroughbreds.

A Certificate I in Racing (Stablehand) will be awarded upon successful course completion.  Once participants have secured employment at a stable, they can apply for registration as a Victorian Stable Employee.

Training locations include Cranbourne Training Centre, Geelong Turf Club, Ballarat Turf Club and GoTafe Wangaratta.

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age on 01 January to participate.

Trackwork Riding Program (Certificate III in Racing)

This course comprises 16 units of study and is 32 weeks in duration. Features of this course include:

• A weekly riding session.  Initially held at a registered thoroughbred trainer’s private facility near Cranbourne or Ballarat. In the second half of the program our instructor will train and assess participants in their workplace.
• Monthly theory sessions to be held in the evening at either Cranbourne Turf Club or Ballarat Turf Club (or a similarly located venue).
• Independent theory work.
• Two day workshops at Racing Victoria Headquarters (Flemington) which include racing integrity, equine welfare, personal strength & conditioning, nutrition and wellbeing.  Participants will have the opportunity to work with our apprentice jockey coaches, utilising our mechanical horses.

Trackwork Riding Pre-requisites:

Applicants must;

• be at least 15 years of age on 01 January;
• have completed the mandatory units: BSBWHS211 (Contribute to health and safety of self and others) and RGRPSH201 (Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork); and
•  have a solid riding skill base.  Racing Victoria reserves the right to decline an application or withdraw a participant from the program if they are deemed by our instructors to be a safety risk to the horses, themselves or others.

Program Funding Racing Victoria will fund the gap in course fees (after government funding). There will be no cost to those participating in these programs, subject to meeting criteria including a minimum of three months full-time, part-time or casual employment in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry.

Want to get started? Please send us an Expression of Interest via the form below.  Courses will be scheduled based on demand.

If you wish to review the Racing Victoria Privacy Collection Statement (Recruitment) CLICK HERE