Level 3 Racing Coaches

Five new level 3 Racing Coaches and a Jockey Coach successfully passed their assessment on 5^th and 6^th June, 2024.

This achievement was an accumulation of nine months of education and training, the completion of a portfolio which underpinned the theoretical side of the qualification and a practical coaching assessment delivered on a racing yard during morning work sessions.

The coaches (who all hold varied roles in the industry) will utilise their qualification within their day to day employment. Here is a brief summary of who they are and what they do:-

Marie Skelly – Instructor at the National Horseracing College, training learners for the workplace. Marie also coaches on a freelance basis and is involved in Pony Racing through her son Seth.

Heather Oliver – Roving Tutor for the National Horseracing College, visiting students employed on training yards and guiding them through their Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships. Heather also coaches Point-to-Point riders and at regional training events.

Paddy Trainor – Racing Groom for Charlie Johnston Racing delivering regional coaching to the workforce in North Yorkshire alongside the mobile simulator training unit.

Mercy McEwen – Proprietor of Fossilfield Training Centre in Scotland, supporting young people through a unique equine learning programme and enabling them to find employment in the racing industry.

Caroline Gill – Roving Tutor for the British Racing School, visiting students employed on training yards and guiding them through their Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships. Caroline also coaches Pony Racing enthusiasts.

William Kennedy – Jockey Coach and an integral member of the Jockey Coaching Programme. Will coaches young jockeys and helps them to gain their conditional or apprentice licences. He attends race meetings and walks the course with jockeys offering advice and support. Will reviews each jockey’s ride(s) and provides performance feedback.