Racing academy & centre of education

The Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE) is Ireland's premier training institution for the horse racing industry. Since 1973, RACE has been providing courses for jockeys, stable staff, racehorse trainers, breeders, and others in the thoroughbred sector. 

As a non-profit initiative, RACE is dedicated to delivering high-quality education and support to students, aiding their professional growth and success in the racing industry. An attractive campus with extensive training facilities has been developed on the edge of the Curragh plains in Kildare, which serves as a hub for the industry. RACE is also home to several of racing’s representative bodies and the Farriery Ireland forge.

Certificate of Competence for Equine Transport

The Certificate of Competence for Equine Transport is certified by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and covers the transport of equines within the EU, as well as anatomy and physiology. The course is delivered online. Click the button below for more information and to register.

Horsemanship for the Thoroughbred Industry

Enrolling on the Horsemanship for the Thoroughbred Industry (HTI) course will allow you to embark on a journey towards a horsemanship qualification at Level Five on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Each QQI accredited module has a credit value assigned to it. To achieve a major award, you must complete a number of individual modules.

The focus of the course is to develop the skills to work in the thoroughbred industry, either racing or stud, while at the same time developing learners’ personal, interpersonal, and workplace skills. The content includes core modules in work experience and communications, as well as a range of vocational modules including stable and yard routine, racehorse care and exercise, horse breeding, horse conformation, equine nutrition, and equine anatomy and physiology.

Junior Academy

RACE run several Junior Academy days every year for young people aged 10-17 who have a dream of working in racing or becoming a jockey. These training days are open to everyone from experienced pony race riders to riders with no experience of racing. Junior Academy days are funded by Equuip. Riders are grouped by their age and experience so that everyone is of a similar level of ability. Activities for each day are planned around each level of experience and RACE aim to make these days a lot of fun. Places are limited to 10 riders per academy day. RACE accept registrations for these courses throughout the year, so if you would like to register for future Junior Academy days please click the button below.

RACE Mobile Training Unit

The RACE Mobile Training Unit is housed in a two-horse box and offers flexible training options for yard staff and licenced riders across Ireland.

• High-spec simulator and video facility for jockey coaching
• Whip tuition and coaching assessments 
• Delivered in the workplace with no disruption to daily routine
• A range of flexible training options for the convenience of employers and employees

Pre-Licence Schooling Course

This is a one-day course funded by Equuip and designed to provide intensive training through schooling over obstacles and simulator coaching. The course also includes video analysis of riding using analysis software.

The course offers professional training of the highest standard for riders who plan to apply for a category A3 Qualified Riders licence or those who plan to apply for a Conditional  licence in the future. Training is delivered by RACE staff.

Schooling Progression Course with Derek O'Connor

This is a one-day course run several times a year for Qualified and Conditional riders who wish to improve their skills under the guidance of Derek O’Connor (the most successful point-to-point rider of all time) and the RACE instructors. This course is funded by Equuip and delivered by RACE. The objective is to improve the technical and tactical riding skills of Qualified and Conditional riders to help them understand the importance of fitness and race-riding preparation. This course is very popular and restricted to just six riders per course. Early registration is advised. You may also register an interest for future courses if scheduled courses are full.

Thoroughbred Industry Administration

The overall aim of this programme is to provide the learner with skills and knowledge required for a position working in the administrative sector of the thoroughbred industry. The programme is designed to provide ‘how-to’ information on a variety of relevant tasks. Course content includes:

• Health & Safety
• HR for small / medium business
• Marketing for small / medium business
• Microsoft Word & Excel
• Panel session with industry representatives
• Payroll
• Racing Administration
• Stud Administration

Delivered via blended learning over five weeks, mostly during evenings for ease of access, with two afternoon sessions and one full day on campus. The final week completed over one and a half days. There are assessments associated with the core modules, including assignments and exams. The course content is supported via the online learning system Moodle.