A newly-formed fixture limited to apprentice jockeys will take place at Redcar on Sunday 20 July.
The fixture will be the only Flat meeting taking place in Britain on Sunday, with Jump fixtures also scheduled at Stratford and Newton Abbot.
This is an initiative which has been developed alongside the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and Redcar Racecourse to provide apprentice riders the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, have an extended book of rides and a chance to make connections with new trainers and owners.
In addition, the apprentice-only raceday delivers what will in effect be a day off from riding for senior Flat jockeys, in the interests of jockey wellbeing.
Tom Byrne, Head of Racing and Betting at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said:
“We are delighted to implement this raceday solely for apprentice jockeys, which is a new addition this year, joining the meeting at Goodwood in June in the fixture list.
“It is important that we strive to provide opportunities for apprentice jockeys to pick up more rides and showcase their abilities on the track, and it is beneficial to combine this with a break for senior jockeys in the middle of a busy Flat turf season.
“This is one of several initiatives that we have introduced to support jockeys across the Flat calendar, including rider-restricted cards for jockeys with fewer than 30 winners, and regional code breaks where no Flat fixtures are scheduled in either the North or South.
“It is pleasing to see the card well supported with runners and our thanks go to the PJA and Redcar for working with the BHA to bring this initiative to life.”
Dale Gibson, Racing Director at the PJA, said:
“The PJA very much supports these occasional apprentice cards. The fixture ties in with multiple participant welfare measures which have been introduced and expanded in recent years following PJA proposals, including extended code breaks and rider restricted meetings.
“Days like these create additional opportunities for younger jockeys to advertise their talents and gain invaluable additional experience, and at the same time provide a rare mid-summer day off for fully fledged jockeys during an ever-demanding period of the year.
“Following on from the continued success of the apprentice-only day at Goodwood last month we hope everyone involved will benefit for the additional experience and exposure, especially as the stand alone Sunday flat fixture.”
Amy Fair, General Manager at Redcar Racecourse, said:
“We were delighted to be asked and immediately saw it as a hugely positive initiative. Not only does it provide more opportunities and experience for apprentices, but it’s a way of giving our hard-working senior jockeys a break.
“It’s something new for the sport and we’re proud to be helping to blaze a trail.”
