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



Life's Like This - RTE

On the 25th of September, more than 500 young people in Ireland filmed a moment in their daily lives to form part of RTÉ’s Life’s Like This documentary project. A series of documentary films created from this footage was broadcast throughout the day on the 6th of November on RTÉ Two.

A group of  RACE students participated in this project and were included in the broadcast.  They recorded various moments in their lives at RACE on the day.  Their footage included an introduction to some of the horses in the barn, a simulator demonstration and a rundown of the daily activities. 

The students enjoyed participating in the project and it was good fun to see the broadcast on TV.

Follow the link below to view video – the students feature in the 2pm slot. 

http://www.rte.ie/trte/lifeslikethis/

Meet the trainees - Jason Dixon

My name is Jason Dixon. I’m 16 years old. I am from Finglas in Dublin. I have always had an interest in horses and soccer. I have been playing soccer since I was 4. I was player of the year for the under 9’s team and I have won plenty of trophy’s and medals. I was made captain for the past 2 years of Stella Maris which is a well known top club in Dublin.
I have been riding horses bareback since I was young. I had to make the decision to try make a career in soccer or to try and make a career in the horse racing industry. I have only started riding in saddles since I came to RACE. The instructors here at RACE have taught me so much lately, such as how to tack up properly, how to oil the tack, how to ride in a saddle, how to use the whip in an appropriate manner and how to care for a horse up to a high standard.

My favourite rider is AP McCoy. I admire the way he has a lot of stamina which, gives him great ability to drive a horse from such a long way out. I am really enjoying my time at RACE, it is a great experience and I look forward to the great opportunities that awaits in the near future.

Getting ready to learn how to jump out of stalls