Newmarket Study Day

The British Racing School 

Combined report by Jane Reed BHSI and Simon Somers BHSI

Having lived near Newmarket for 25 years, the old adage of “you never visit the places on your doorstep“ is true. So it was marvellous to visit the British Racing School and the Injured Jockeys Fund Building, with a keen group of fellow BHSIs and guests. 

On arrival we were greeted by Head of Jockey Coaching Richard Perham in the Hong Kong room along with refreshments. An overview of all the courses and training on offer followed. Some of the courses range from 18 weeks level 1, 12 weeks level 2, 2 weeks for jockey training to 2 days of category A Amateur rider permits.

Our first observation was a return to ride fitness test on a simulator for a young lady jockey who has been off since July. Richard and the physio observed whilst she was requested to ride a finish for the last furlong.

Richard took us on a tour of the exercise room/gym and then the indoor school. Eight riders at level 1 on their 2^nd week of 18 were being put through their paces. These riders are required to pass a fitness test to be accepted and some may never have ridden before. One lad had an untimely dismount, and we were very impressed at the discipline of his peers on their safety protocol, returning to walk on a circle immediately.

Outside we met Zoe Hammond with 8 riders further along on their course. All riders wear a one-way earpiece and were cantering single file working on balance. Zoe explained that if a rider is struggling, they return them to the lunge pen for more one-to-one. Richard then showed us the bank, round gallop and straight gallop with starting stalls and hurdles.

As Head of Jockey Coaching, Richard has five full time coaches and some self-employed coaches spread around the country. He demonstrated the App that he created with a Northern colleague that enables them to log all the information used to coach their jockeys, including zoom sessions of side-by-side video training, Richard as the coach and jockey riding the simulators. The app is invaluable when distance could make regular training impossible. 

As a former External Verifier for the British Racing School, it was great to witness the developments in both the facilities on site and the delivery of the courses and all this explained in detail and with humour by Richard.

What was very apparent was the enthusiasm of both the staff and students. In discussion, there was a strong emphasis on instilling the “basics“ and the practical skills required for the students’ smooth transition into the workplace, together with the follow up care once the students were in situ. 

Thanks must go to all involved at the BRS, and our visit was much enjoyed by all who attended.  

The Newmarket Pony Academy

Report from Caro Haynes BHSI

To complete our insightful and thoroughly enjoyable morning with The British Racing School, we were introduced to an inspirational and incredibly engaging, enthusiastic young lady, Anna Sylvester.

Anna has recently set up and runs The Newmarket Pony Academy, a community project using horses and ponies to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people. 

It particularly focusses on the disadvantaged and vulnerable, who gain in confidence and resilience after spending a week with Anna and her team. Anna also runs after-school and holiday clubs for young local people who have been referred by teachers and social workers.

We must never forget how incredibly fortunate we are to have access to horses and ponies with their incredible healing and rejuvenating powers. What wonderful animals they are. Thank you F&I Association for giving us so many opportunities to see these great places work, making lives better.

The National Horse Racing Museum

Report from Biddy Brasted-Watts BHSI

After a short drive from the British Racing School (and, might I add, a very tasty lunch), we arrived at the National Horse Racing Museum. 

It is situated in the heart of Newmarket and has been extensively renovated, extended and developed over the years on its five acre site.

There are interactive and audio-visual displays. My clear favourites were Clare Balding interviewing Frankie Dettori on his historic seven wins, and Bob Champion winning the Grand National with Aldaniti. These are just a snippet of what’s on offer.

The museum has a traditional aspect of showing art and silver work, with specialist exhibitions throughout the year. There is a positive spin on the horse racing industry for the non-horsey majority, and daily “behind the scenes” tours which demonstrate retraining of racehorses are available in the Sir Peter O’Sullivan arena. The adjacent primary school playground adds to their education.

When you come to this part of the world we strongly advise a visit to all these wonderful places.  Thank you Ann for brilliant organising!