Search on for 25 apprentice jockeys

The Jockey Club is recruiting 25 "emerging talent" to join its Apprentice Jockeys' School that offers training for various positions within the racing industry, including jockeys, equestrian assistants and veterinary clinical technicians.

The recruitment process started yesterday and will run until July 5. It is also seeking trainees to be work riders and farriers.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old and have completed secondary three or higher education. There are no height restrictions, and riding experience is not required. However, reference weights for apprentice jockeys and work riders are about 105 and 125 pounds, respectively.

Executive director of racing Andrew Harding said the club is committed to encouraging more young talent to join.

"This effort further shows the club's dedication to continuously cultivating racing talents and promoting Hong Kong's world-class racing industry," he said.

The club is seeking diligent candidates with a positive and proactive attitude, as well as a passion and aptitude for sports.

In July and August, school instructors will conduct riding and fitness tests to select potential candidates for a three-day orientation camp in Huangcun, Guangzhou. From there, the 25 top performers will be selected to join the nine-month foundation course.

Upon completion of the course, trainees will be assessed to determine their suitable positions. The duration of the full training program varies for each position.

Racing trainees will receive a salary and free accommodation during the course. They will also be required to purchase school books and basic riding gear.

Amy Chan Lim-chee, head of racing talent training and the school's headmistress, said: "Trainees are not only prepared for jockey and rider roles but also for other crucial positions within the racing industry, such as instructors and farriers."

A dual education system is applied, combining school-based learning with vocational training to ensure trainees acquire a diverse set of skills.

Trainees will have the opportunity to travel overseas as part of the program.

Angus Chung Yik-lai, who joined the school in 2017, praised it for helping him find an ideal path in the industry and benefit from world-class instructors.

He graduated as a senior rider, reaching 70 wins in Hong Kong in May after being an apprentice for less than two years and training in south Australia for nearly three years.

"I have also greatly benefited from our world-class instructors on my journey to becoming a competitive jockey," he said.

The school's graduates will receive a certificate equivalent to level one to level three of the seven-level hierarchy qualification framework, accredited by The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.