Overview

The Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program (QAJP) is Racing Queensland’s dedicated initiative to develop Queensland’s next generation of professional jockeys. Delivered to all apprentice jockeys licensed in Queensland, the program ensures every rider receives the guidance, mentoring, and support needed to succeed in one of the most demanding sporting environments.

Designed for aspiring jockeys aiming to compete at the highest level, the QAJP combines high-performance athlete development with structured industry training to produce skilled, disciplined, and race-ready professionals. Jockeys operate in a fast-paced, high-risk environment, requiring exceptional balance, strength, decision-making, and resilience.

Working alongside Racing Queensland’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO 31452), which delivers the nationally accredited Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey), the QAJP provides practical development, mentoring, and industry oversight. From recruitment through to race-day readiness, the program sets clear standards and supports apprentices to maximise their four-year pathway—building not only capable riders, but well-rounded professionals prepared for long-term success in the racing industry.

Purpose

The QAJP develops apprentices across four integrated pillars, ensuring they are ready to meet the technical, physical, professional, and safety demands of racing:

• Riding & Technical Development – Developing fundamental riding skills, trackwork, jump-outs, trials, race progression, tactical awareness, and practical race-day coaching to build confident and competent riders.
• Athlete Development – Focusing on strength, conditioning, fitness, weight management, nutrition, injury prevention, recovery, and mental resilience to sustain high-performance careers.
• Professional & Personal Development – Encouraging workplace professionalism, communication, accountability, career guidance, and holistic personal growth, while supporting apprentices to balance performance with wellbeing.
• Safety, Integrity, Welfare & Compliance – Ensuring safe riding in high-risk environments, adherence to the Australian Rules of Racing and Local Rules, integrity awareness, and support for physical and mental wellbeing.

Who We Are

The QAJP is delivered by a highly experienced team of racing professionals. The team includes a Manager overseeing the program, two full-time Jockey Coaches providing technical and race-day coaching, two casual Jockey Coaches offering specialist support, and RTO Educators (retired jockeys) delivering the Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey). Together, they combine practical racing expertise, mentoring, and formal education to provide apprentices with comprehensive support throughout their four-year development pathway.

Who We Work With

• Racing Queensland
• Queensland Racing Integrity Commission
• Queensland Jockeys' Association
• Australian Trainers Association – Queensland Branch