Five apprentices join Racing Vic program

A son of a Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate-winning jockey is among the latest intake of apprentices to Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program.

Five apprentices were inducted into the four-year program on Wednesday with the training involving race riding, performance analysis, sports science and sports medicine, as well as media, finance and business skills.

The five apprentices include 17-year-old Michael Poy, son of former jockey Michael Clarke whose big race wins included the 1986 Melbourne Cup on At Talaq and the 1990 Cox Plate and Japan Cup on champion Better Loosen Up.

“These young riders will not only hone their race riding skills, learn how to live, eat and train as elite sports people, but will also be equipped with the requisite support to develop a successful career once they decide to retire from professional riding,” RV’s athlete development and industry careers advisor, Melissa Weatherley, said.

In addition to Poy, the apprentices, all aged between 17 and 18, are Lewis German, Teo Nugent, Alex Patis and Thomas Stockdale.

Darren Gauci, who recently retired from the saddle after a highly successful 35-year career, is now one of RV’s two apprentice jockey coaches along with another former rider Matt Pumpa.