Meet The Trainees - Killian Gallagher

My name is Killian, I am 17 years old. I’m from Strabane in CoTyrone. Horses have always been part of my life and I’ve always wanted to be a Jockey, as I was hoping to follow in the footsteps of my uncle Pat Gallagher who had been a Jockey and has pursued a training career in America.

I finished school and one of my friends had been telling me that he was going to RACE so I started to research more about the course. When I left school I had the choice to go straight to a Trainer or go to RACE. So I decided to go to the trial and I got accepted.

I knew a lot about racehorses and race riding before I came here from pony racing but there was also a lot I didn’t know. Since I have came to RACE It has helped me improve my riding dramatically as I have a better position on a horse and I am a lot stronger now than I was before.

I am hoping to stay on as a senior in RACE as I am in a really good position in Tracey Collins yard and I am hoping to sign on as her Apprentice after the course.

Killian (far side) out on Maddenstown Gallops

Meet The Trainees - Jordan Cummins

My name is Jordan Cummins, I am 17 years old and I’m from Ballyfermot in Dublin. My family owned horses so I’ve always been around them and had an interest in them. I left school after my Junior Cert and I took a course in the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre and did some showjumping. I completed my leaving cert and a Level 4 in Stable Yard Routine. The Instructors Emma and Ciara recommended that I go to the Open Day in RACE. I decided to apply and was accepted for the week trial.

The trial was tough and I realised that it was important to be well mannered, hardworking and determined to be successful in the Racing Industry. I learned how to ride from showjumping to being a Trainee Jockey. I worked in the barn in RACE until January and then I was sent to Micheal Grassick (JR). While there I learned a lot including riding work and got the experience and the opportunity to learn and develop my riding skills and take care of horses, which I am very grateful for. I found being away from home and the early mornings difficult at times but it has to be done to become successful.

My plan is to get my Apprentice License and become a successful jockey.

I would definitely recommend the course to anyone that has an interest in horses. I have learnt a lot over the last 10 months and it’s a great experience especially at a young age. I’ve met some nice people and some great friends

Family day 2015

Meet the trainees - Kiera Cogan

My name is Kiera Colgan, I turned 18 in October. I am from Malton in England. Ever since I was born I have been involved in horses even if it was going to the yard with my mother in a push chair whilst she looked after her horse. My father came to RACE and worked in racing for years and had his Apprentice License with Kevin Prendergast as well as riding for James Byrne. I was very active in school and played lots of Hockey and Netball but I also had my own ponies at home from a young age.  I was in pony club, riding club and was a member of British Showjumping and British Eventing. I also had my own pony racer which I won 4 races on but with Dads competitiveness the novelty wore off and I wasn’t really interested in riding her after that.

I finished school in 2014 and then started college after a year it wasn’t for me and all I wanted to do was ride and work with horses. So Dad suggested RACE, we attended an open day and then I was accepted for the trial. It was then a waiting game to see whether I was accepted or not. I got the letter to see that RACE had accepted me. I didn’t know what to make of leaving home and moving away, but I am now glad I have done it as I have learnt heaps and improved my riding.

I started RACE in September intending to improve my riding and with the riding Instructors here at RACE it helped me to improve. Ten weeks into the course I was then sent out to Michael Halfords Yard on work placement, where I am now well settled. This also helped to improve my riding, riding different horses and yearlings. I love going to work so the early mornings don’t bother me. The staff there are a great bunch of people and there is always a bit of ‘craic’ in the yard as well as some lovely horses.

Kiera was placed with Michael Halford in November 2015

Kiera schooling at RACE