- Published:
- Wednesday, 10 August 2016
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today launched a new scholarship program aimed at encouraging women jockeys to have safe and successful careers in the saddle.
Unveiled at the Caulfield Racecourse, the Melbourne Polytechnic Rider Scholarship Program will provide positions for up to 12 students to participate in the Certificate 3 in Racing (Track Rider) program.
The nationally accredited course will give women jockeys the skills to ensure they can achieve long and successful careers in the racing industry by providing training about horse anatomy and physiology, riding and track work, horse handling and care, and basic health and first aid for thoroughbreds.
Funded by the Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, scholarship students will benefit from hands-on training at Northern Lodge Training Centre, a state-of-the-art commercial thoroughbred stud farm at Eden Park.
Students will receive expert tuition from industry renowned jockeys, horse behavioural specialists and riding instructors.
Upon completing the course, students will be qualified to work as track riders, exercising thoroughbred horses under the instruction of a trainer.
Scholarship applications close at 5pm on Thursday 18 August 2016.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We want encourage more women to get involved in the Victorian racing industry and this scholarship helps them learn the skills they need to have long, safe and successful careers.”
“These scholarships complement the long existing pathways for young men to pursue a career in racing and it continues the industry’s push to have more women involved at all levels of the sport.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Racing Club Foundation Board Chair, Patricia Faulkner
“We thank the Minister for Racing for attending today and showing his support for the Melbourne Polytechnic Rider Scholarship Program.”
“The Melbourne Racing Club Foundation is committed to safety and to enhancing the overall training and education for women entering the racing industry.”