Youngsters hope to win place in Jockey Club's trainee programme

Balancing on short stirrups with reins held close, three young riders canter around the track. With dreams of becoming professional jockeys, they are part of the Jockey Club's Racing Trainee Programme.

Recruitment for the six-year programme started yesterday and runs until July 27. It aims to induct 25 youngsters into the equine field by providing both academic and vocational education.

"This dual approach really does provide young people with a bright future," said Amy Chan Lim Chee, the headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys' School.

Aside from racing techniques, Chan said students would be taught English-language skills and a range of academic subjects including sports science and financial management.

Students would also be able to train overseas, she said, citing Dicky Liu Cheuk Yin, who spent two years in New Zealand and is now an apprentice jockey with 40 wins in Hong Kong under his belt.

"Not everyone can take the pressure," Liu said. "It is easy to lose confidence since a small mistake can break a race."