Drivers Education at RACE - The 'Beer Goggles'

As part of personal development, trainees take part in several educational evenings here at the Racing Academy. Drivers Education was one such evening organised for trainees to gain experience and instruction on how to change a tyre, how to use a Satellite Navigation System and how to apply for insurance.They also took the Driver Theory Test and had a driving lesson. Thank you to Kieran O'Brien and the Irish School of Excellence for providing an educational and fun evening for all who took part.

We hope you enjoy this video of trainees trying to carry out simple tasks such as running, hitting a ball and giving each other a 'high five' while wearing the 'BEER GOGGLES'!

Out on the Gallops

The first morning out the gallops it was nerve racking because we all thought that were going to get ran away with because the horses were keen to gallop faster.  However once we all got out there, there were no problems at all thanks to Barry and Niall as they were guiding us around the gallops over the radios.

Morning Schooling

The first morning of schooling was exciting but at the same time we got butterflies in our stomachs as we were very nervous. We knew we had our great instructors Barry, Niall, Paul and Pat there to look out for us. Once we were out there going over the fences it felt great and is was great fun. Everyone in our group did it and we had no mishaps.

The Curragh Plains

One of our favourite activities at RACE is getting the opportunity to ride out on the Curragh plains.  The first time we went out it felt great riding across the plains on the horses.  Mind you the wind that blew into our faces was unreal!

By Ronan Loughnane & Jack Dinsmore

 

Meet the trainees - Ciaran Jones

My name is Ciaran Jones. I am 18 years old. I’m from Ballinagh, Co. Cavan. I have had an interest in horses since I was 7 years old. I started getting lessons once a week in our local equestrian centre. A few years later we bought our first pony. A grey 14.2 Conamara who gave me the confidence to do a small amount of showjumping. I haven’t looked back ever since. RACE, wasn’t my first experience with racehorses though. In the months leading up to RACE I bought my own thoroughbred mare to enhance my riding skills. I gained a large interest in the racing industry through gaining knowledge in a trainers yard called ‘Fairtown Stud’. The trainer Shane Donohoe provided me with plenty of experience and knowledge of the racing industry. My goal in the racing industry is to become a great jump jockey and work for trainers Dessie Hughes or Conor O’Dwyer in Kildare. I look up to jockeys such as Andrew Thornton who can use his experience and intelligence to pick the best routes on a track better than most jockeys.

 

Parents Day 2012