Thoroughbred horse racing is a global industry, and one of the most popular spectator sports in Australia!
Racing provides a broad range of career pathways and is a diverse and exciting industry to be involved in.
Whether you’re interested in being hands on with horses, working outdoors or looking to pursue a profession that can take you overseas - there’s a role within the industry that can meet your requirements. From horse trainer, jockey, trackrider, stablehand all the way through to marketing & racing administrators or race callers - there’s a job for everyone in racing.
In partnership with our registered training organisation, Racing SA provides Certificates II, III and IV in racing that equip students with the necessary skills to pursue a career in racing.
Cert II - RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Stablehand) -
This course will equip students with the competencies to work in a stable environment, use judgement, interpret information, apply solutions, mange daily stable routines and provide racehorse care and exercise. Students will gain further education in horse breeding, horse conformation, equine nutrition and equine anatomy and physiology.
Certificate III - RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand) – Traineeship
This qualification reflects the role of individuals working as a stablehand in charge of daily operations in thoroughbred racing stable where they care for racehorses, preparing the horses for daily excersise and overall fitness and health with a thoroughbreds racing preparation. The stablehand works to the delegated instructions of a trainer who has overall responsibility for operations. They They are required to work autonomously, use judgement, , interpret information, apply solutions to various problems and take responsibility for operations and outputs. Stable hands work in a stable/yard/farm environment, and may be directing or coordinating with colleagues in a team environment , or managing operations independently, depending on the size of the stable, and are permitted under the rules of racing to act for the trainer.
Certificate III - RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) - Traineeship
This qualification focuses on developing riding skills and fittnes for the student to become an individual who is independently engaged or employed as trackwork riders to exercise thoroughbred horses on the instruction of a trainer in the racing industry.
Trackwork riders require high level riding skills to exercise racehorses at various paces. They must be able to interpret and implement trainer’s instructions and communicate information about racehorse fitness and performance accurately to the trainer. Trackwork riders work independently with limited supervision in a definedrange of varied contexts that may be complex and non-routine.
Please contact Racing SA about options for training to learn Track Work riding Skill Sets which can lead to employment and the completion of the Traineeship as “On-the-job-training”.
Certificate III - AHC31319 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
The sports turf tradesperson would be expected to use some theoretical knowledge, discretion and judgement and a range of well-developed skills in order to carry out their work.
This qualification will help you develop the skills & knowledge to:
• Prepare surfaces for use
• Renovate grassed areas
• Turf construction
• Pest & weed control
• Installation & maintenance of irrigation & drainage systems
• Management of turf health
• Planning sports turf surfaces
Further qualifications include:
Cert IV - RGR40218 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) – Apprenticeship
Cert IV - RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) – Apprenticeship
Hands On Learning
All qualifications include on the job training, allowing students to get a first hand look at what it takes to have a successful career in racing.
Industry insights
In 2020/21, the thoroughbred racing industry was responsible for contributing more than $395.6 million in gross value to the South Australian economy; and provided over 3000 full time jobs with household income generated in excess of $200 million.
With continued investment in the industry from Racing SA and the South Australian Government the employment opportunities are forecast to grow in the years to come.
It's a great time to start your racing career!