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SAASTA students go behind-the-scenes

Students from the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) had a behind-the-scenes look at what happens in racing stables and at trackwork this week with Racing SA Industry Development and Training Officer and former top jockey Clare Lindop.

The ‘Racing Industry Career Exploration Activity’ aimed to provide students with a taste of what happens on a regular day in the racing industry, providing insight into what’s involved in working as a stablehand, foreman, trackwork rider, trainer, jockey, track facilities manager and more.

On the day, the group of 8 students had the opportunity to observe morning track work from the centre of the track, watch horses in the pool and on the water walker, witness the stable staff at work, and hear from some of those involved in the industry, including trainer Andrew Gluyas and apprentice jockey Teagan Voorham.

A former stablehand, trackwork rider and Group 1 winning jockey herself, Lindop began working with Racing SA in July to encourage more people to consider thoroughbred racing as a career choice by highlighting the job opportunities and career pathways that exist within racing.

“It’s been great to start relationships with the Department of Education and Skilling South Australia, and through working with Academies such as SAASTA, we can now provide a direct point of contact for people to discover and experience a hands-on introduction to the opportunities in the racing industry,” Lindop said.

“We find that many people have been to the races or watched racing on TV, but don’t really know how the industry works. For example, how a horse goes from a foal to a racehorse and who is involved with helping them to get there.”

“The group from SAASTA had a particular interest in horses so it was great to provide them with first-hand insights into how things work, and the many varied careers in racing.”

After touring the facilities at Morphettville Racecourse and the Leon Macdonald-Andrew Gluyas stable, the SAASTA students visited the Lincoln Park Horse & Human Rehabilitation Centre at Monarto where they were taught basic horse handling and stable skills.

“Lincoln Park is a recognised Thorough Care SA re-homing centre for horses who have finished their racing careers,” Lindop said.

“Racing SA is proud to be able to show the students horses enjoying a career post-racing, and then use them to teach some basic horse handling skills, such as grooming and brushing. This will aid students should they wish to pursue employment or undertake a racing-related qualification. 

"Our aim is to encourage interest by increasing education and awareness about racing, and to help make the industry more accessible to people. I’m thrilled to be working with the team at Racing SA to share my love of horses and show people how they can get involved the sport."

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