RGR30518 – Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)

Jockey Pathway

"If you dream of riding powerful thoroughbreds and being part of the fast-paced world of racing, this is your gateway”

This qualification is designed for individuals seeking a career as a trackwork rider, and provides an ideal pathway for those aspiring to progress into a career as a jockey. Our program includes a specifically selected elective to support students working towards this pathway.

The qualification reflects the role of individuals who are independently engaged or employed as trackwork riders to exercise thoroughbred horses under 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 a trainer's instructions and accurately communicate information about racehorse fitness and performance back to the trainer. Trackwork riders work independently with limited supervision across a range of varied contexts that may be complex and non-routine.

This qualification is required for industry licensing and registration in some states and territories. Students are advised to check with the relevant Principal Racing Authority for current requirements.

Why study a RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)

• Ride racehorses for a living - Turn your passion for riding into a career, exercising thoroughbred racehorses at various paces on the instruction of a trainer. 
• Pathway to becoming a jockey – A requirement for aspiring jockeys, with a specifically selected elective included to support progression into a jockey career. 
• Refine your riding to a professional level - Build on your existing riding ability to develop specialist trackwork skills, including pace work, gallops, and riding racehorses in a fast-paced training environment.
• Industry-recognised qualification - Nationally accredited and respected across Australia's thoroughbred racing industry. 
• Compliance and safety knowledge - Understand racing rules, safe riding practices, and workplace health and safety requirements critical to working on the track. 
• Licensing support - This qualification is required for trackwork rider licensing and registration in some states and territories. 
• Work with industry professionals - Ride under the guidance of experienced trainers and alongside skilled stable staff, building networks across the racing industry. 
• Contribute to a prestigious sport - Play a vital role in preparing racehorses that compete at local, national, and international levels. 
• Early start and finish work times provide options to study a second qualification, hold a second job to increase your earnings, or participate in your hobbies.

Key responsibilities

• Ride thoroughbred racehorses at various paces during trackwork, including pacework and gallops 
• Follow and implement a trainer's riding instructions accurately 
• Assess and report racehorse fitness, behaviour and performance back to the trainer 
• Handle horses safely in stables, on the track and during training routines 
• Assist with the education of young or inexperienced racehorses 
• Monitor track and environmental conditions to support horse welfare and safety 
• Apply safe riding practices, racing rules and WHS requirements
• Work independently with limited supervision in a fast-paced training environment

Course duration & Delivery mode

Course duration nominal:

• Full-time: 24months
• Part-time: 48months

Traineeship duration nominal:

• Full time: 24 months
• Part time: 48 months

Delivery mode

• Blended Learning – combination of on-the-job training, face to face and e-learning.
  
  

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification

Program requirements

The following requirements apply to all students undertaking this program. They cover the physical demands, licensing, equipment and technology needs, and language, literacy and numeracy skills involved in training and working in the racing industry.

• Training and assessment involves high physical activity. Students must be able to actively participate in scheduled training and assessment activities, both on and off-the-job.
• Students must complete workplace tasks in accordance with employer expectations.
• Students must have established riding ability and be capable of riding racehorses at trackwork, using standard race riding equipment and gear.
• Students must possess adequate language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills to comprehend learning materials and effectively carry out routine work tasks within their role.
• Students must have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet to engage with online materials, along with basic computer skills.
• Students are required to obtain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the course, which may include enclosed footwear, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), an industry-approved trackwork helmet, an industry-approved safety vest, riding boots, a high-visibility vest (if not supplied by the employer), a helmet light, gloves (optional), goggles (optional), and a riding crop (optional).
• Students must obtain the appropriate racing industry licence relevant to their training prior to, or at the commencement of, the course and maintain this licence for the duration of their enrolment.

For information regarding licensing requirements and the application process, please contact the relevant racing authority in your state:

• Queensland: Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) – https://qric.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-registration
• South Australia: Racing SA – https://www.racingsa.com.au/licensing-and-forms/licensing-forms
• Tasmania: Tasracing – https://tasracing.com.au/integrity

Please note: RQ will contact individuals who express interest in enrolling to assess their language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills. The team can provide supplementary learning support where basic assistance is needed, and can facilitate referrals to specialised LLN development providers for those requiring more extensive support, ensuring learners are ready to commence the course effectively.

Industry connection tip: This program requires hands-on trackwork riding experience and is best suited to individuals already riding in a registered stable or pre-training facility, where the employer can provide suitable horses for skill development. Not currently in a riding role? Contact our Education Department to discuss your options.
 

Course packaging

11 Core + 7 Elective = 18 Total Units

Core Units (11)

An asterisk (*) next to the unit code indicates that there are prerequisite requirements which must be met when packaging the qualification. Please refer to the Prerequisite requirements table for details.

Electives (3)

Career pathways and outcomes

Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) graduates may find employment as trackwork riders, responsible for exercising and educating racehorses on the racetrack; stable supervisors, overseeing the daily care and management of horses in training; strappers, assisting in the preparation and care of racehorses before and after races; or barrier attendants, assisting with race-day operations. For riders aspiring to become a licensed jockey, this qualification is an entry requirement and the direct pathway into an apprentice jockey role.

Completing this qualification opens up opportunities for further study and career progression in the horse racing industry, including:

• RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) – this course is designed for riders aiming to become professional jockeys. Delivered through an apprenticeship with a licensed trainer, it builds the advanced race riding, tactical and race-day skills required to compete at race meetings, setting the foundation for a long-term riding career in the thoroughbred racing industry
• RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) – for those aiming to become professional racehorse trainers or take on advanced stable management roles. This course prepares students for hands-on roles in racing stables, stud farms, or equestrian centres, building skills that can lead to a long-term career in the thoroughbred racing industry

Fees

Course fees are determined based on the student’s enrolment pathway, funding eligibility (where applicable) and the qualification being undertaken. 
 
 Where government-funded training is available, student contributions and any applicable concession arrangements will be applied in accordance with the relevant funding program requirements.
 
 Students who are not eligible for government funding will be enrolled under a fee-for-service arrangement.
 
Information regarding applicable fees and charges will be provided to students prior to enrolment, ensuring they have the opportunity to make an informed decision before commencing training. For further information regarding current fees and charges, please refer to the Fees Schedule.

How to apply

Ready to get started?

Select your state below and complete the relevant expression of interest form:

• Queensland expression of interest form
• Tasmania expression of interest form
• South Australia expression of interest form

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 07 3869 9781