Newly-appointed Regional Jockey Coaches launch weekly drop-in sessions

22 Jul 2021

Newly-appointed Regional Jockey Coaches are now offering weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions at Injured Jockey Fund centres across the country. The new recruits Brian Harding, Russ Keenemore, Rodi Greene, Michael Hills and George Baker are funded by the Racing Foundation as a key recommendation of the ongoing ‘jockey athlete’ project. 

As well as the new drop-in sessions, the Regional Jockey Coaches will provide a more consistent coaching presence on race days and be on hand at the Claiming Jockey workshops and Licensing courses to ensure young jockeys have a strong and engaged coaching presence from the very first moment they enter the sport as professional jockeys.

Former Classic winning Flat Jockey and Lambourne-based Regional Coach George Baker said, “I am really looking forward to working within a strong team of coaches who are all aiming to evolve the programme further and help young riders reach their potential. One of the biggest pleasures for me has been seeing jockeys improve and getting the most out of their talent whatever level they’re riding at.

“We are really encouraging any jockey who might be struggling with a specific aspect of their riding, big or small, to use the drop-in sessions as a useful way to get another set of eyes on the problem,” he added. “We will be available to all riders and will be working alongside the other coaches to provide an additional layer of support.”

Jockey Development Manager Joe Foley-Corah said the new recruits will make a big difference to jockeys in all stages of their careers. “We have been through an extensive recruitment process to secure this excellent group of Regional Coaches. We feel they provide a great mix of youth and experience across both codes. They offer so many different areas of expertise and, having ridden at a range of levels themselves, we are able to tailor the support according to the stage where each jockey is in their careers,” he said.

“All the coaches have shown huge enthusiasm and their forward thinking approach means they have a huge amount to contribute. They will be instrumental in taking Jockey Coaching to the next level in terms of the support available to jockeys as part of the wider ‘Jockey Athlete’ programme.”

Weekly Drop-In Timetable 

George Baker – Mondays at Oaksey House
Russ Kennemore – Mondays at Jack Berry House
Michael Hills – Mondays at Peter O’Sullevan House
Kevin Darley – Tuesdays at Jack Berry House