Snow and Race Horses :-)

Housebound because of the snow. Am I complaining? Not a bit, have spent a wonderful couple of hours browsing the web doing research and a little bit of shopping :-)

So while it keeps snowing outside my window I thought I would write about horse racing! Yes, a little bit unusual considering no one would be racing on a day like this, but that does not stop the would be jockeys, trainers, grooms all having to work and train.

Did you know that Ireland has its own racing academy? Well it does and it is based in the Curragh. It is a state of the art complex. The purpose-built training facility comprises a 30 horse barn, feed room, tack room, hosing bay, large indoor riding school (60 metres x 40 metres), outdoor all-weather ring, simulator coaching room, http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifgymnasium and sports hall. Based outside are the eight-horse walker, two furlong sand gallop, schooling hurdles and paddocks. In addition there is an isolation unit, hay barn and machinery shed. Most of the horses at RACE are ex-racehorses that have had success on the track and have kindly been loaned by their owners.

Currently they are running courses including:

Pre Qualified Riders, this course is for those that wish to go on for their Apprenticeship Licence. To receive that licence you undergo a series fo tests at the Turf Club. This course is to ensure you are up to scratch and have not developed any bad habits. Think of it like a pre driving test course.


Trainee Jockey Course is a year long training for those aged between 15-18. On application you will be invited to take part in a weeks trial. Should that trial prove successful you will be offered a place on the course.

See Racing Academy for further information and details on other courses that they run.