Inaugural Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program intake confirmed

Racing Queensland has announced the six new apprentice jockeys accepted as part of the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program’s inaugural intake.

Alex Gorey, Bethany Allday, Harry Cahill, Hope Rees, Jessica Black and Maddy O’Grady are all now part of the QAJP following the commencement of the 26/27 season on August 1.

The new members were officially welcomed into the program today through a formal introductory session by RQ’s Education & Workforce Development Manager Briony Moore, Senior Apprentice Jockey Coach Shane Scriven and RQ Chief Operating Officer Melinda Martin.

The QAJP, which officially launched in 2025, will be delivered at the brand-new Racing Institute on the Gold Coast, including structured education, mentoring and elite coaching to develop Queensland’s next generation of champion jockeys.

The program offers personalised coaching and mentoring delivered by professional jockey coaches and mentors, as well as support with physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.

Click here to read more about the six new QAJP students. 

Acting RQ CEO Lachlan Murray said the QAJP’s delivery at the Racing Institute would ensure the jockeys of the future would enjoy a world-class environment for education, training and development.

“The QAJP is an important investment in the future of our sport, providing emerging riders with the structure, support and high-performance environment they need to build successful careers in racing,” Murray said.

“The Sunshine State has a proud history of producing outstanding riding talent, and this program is about ensuring the next generation has every opportunity to develop the skills, discipline and professionalism required to compete at the highest level.

“By combining accredited training with practical development, mentoring, athlete support and industry oversight, the program will help prepare apprentices for the demands of race riding and the opportunities that come with a long-term career.

“This initiative strengthens RQ’s commitment to attracting, developing and retaining the people who will shape the future of our industry, while supporting apprentices from across the state to reach their potential.”

A highly experienced team of racing professionals will deliver and manage the QAJP, including a dedicated manager, jockey coaches and two Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) educators with the Registered Training Organisation.

Ms Moore said the new trainees would be prepared for the rigours of competing at the top level.

“The program is designed to build more than technically capable riders; it will help develop resilient, well-rounded professionals who understand the responsibilities, standards and opportunities of the Queensland racing industry,” she said.

“Jockeys operate in a fast-paced, high-risk environment, requiring exceptional balance, strength, decision-making, and resilience.

“At this new state-of-the-art training hub, the next generation of stars will benefit from world-class facilities designed specifically for modern racing education and high-performance development.

“With dedicated classrooms, interactive learning technology, mechanical horses for simulation and skill refinement, a high-performance gym, and rehabilitation and recovery spaces, this is a centre built to prepare our jockeys for the demands of elite performance and long, successful careers in racing.”

The inaugural QAJP intake follows the recent opening of The Racing Institute; a world-class state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

The Racing Institute is an initiative directly aligned to The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, providing industry education including nationally recognised qualifications, training initiatives and high-performance development for jockeys.

Finally, applications have been extended for a PhD candidate embedded in the RQ Education and Workforce team to lead and deliver a project focused on improving health, fatigue management, and performance in jockeys and apprentices.

Applications will now close on August 10, with more information available by contacting Racing Queensland.

Click here to read more about the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program.