General / Joe Dyer / 14 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Conditional Jockeys Training Series now sponsored by the exchange

“The Conditional Jockeys Training Series enables slightly more experienced riders to continue receiving jockey coaching and race riding opportunities against other riders with a similar level of experience." - Steve Smith-Eccles, British Racing School Jockey Coach.

Betfair are today announced as the new sponsors of the Conditional Jockeys Training Series, which commences at Kelso on Saturday, October 17th.

Betfair now sponsor both the Apprentice Training Series and the Conditional Jockeys Series, which means that they support a year-round grass roots programme of races which have been structured to develop the race riding skills and professionalism of inexperienced riders.

The series, under Betfair's new sponsorship, has also been extended from eight races to 12, and culminates in a valuable final at the Perth Festival on April 23, Highlands National day.

The Betfair Conditional Jockeys Training Series is for jockeys who have ridden no more than 20 winners at the start of the series; they are designed to be the next step on from the Hands and Heels series in terms of further developing race riding skills, under the coaching of the British Racing School's Steve Smith-Eccles.

Unlike the Hands and Heels races jockeys are permitted to use their whips but only in the backhand position, thereby further educating riders in responsible use of the whip.

Betfair will be providing a prize working holiday with a leading foreign trainer to the value of £3,500. They will also be providing a best turned out prize for each race of £100 to the winning groom.

Steve Smith-Eccles, British Racing School Jockey Coach commented: "The Conditional Jockeys Training Series enables slightly more experienced riders to continue receiving jockey coaching and race riding opportunities against other riders with a similar level of experience.

"It very much helps to launch their future race riding careers and demonstrates to the racing public that the Industry is taking the training of its upcoming jockeys very seriously, particularly with regards to developing responsible use of the whip and a professional approach to race riding. I'm really looking forward to working with the conditionals riding in this series."

Tony Calvin, Betfair's Head Of Media, said: "Although Betfair may be better known as sponsors of Ascot racecourse and the King George, as well as other Grade 1 races such as the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock, we have always supported the sport on a number of levels, from the grass roots upwards.

"This ranges from joint-sponsoring the PJA's dedicated doctor to our support of these race series for up-and-coming jockeys, and we are delighted to extend that to the sponsorship of the Conditional Jockeys Training Series."

Tags: Apprentice Training Series, Conditional Jockeys Training Series, Kelso