Carberry to coach on jockey training initiative
NINA CARBERRY and Derek O’Connor are among five former riders who have been appointed to a jockey coaching programme launched by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). The programme will be run by Equuip, which is the education and training department of HRI. The five jockey coaches, who are all former riders, will provide mentoring and specialised skills coaching across a range of subject areas to support the career development of all licensed jockeys in Ireland. Carberry will coach the Meath and north regions, Paddy Flood and Niall McCullagh will oversee the east and midlands, Robbie Moran has been assigned to the south and O’Connor the west. Barry Geraghty, former champion jockey and a qualified life coach, will support the five and sit on the jockey pathway as a liaison coach. The jockey coaches will work closely with the appointed sports psychologist, dietitian, strength and conditioning coach, physiotherapist and career transition coach to aid riders in their athlete and personal development. The five coaches completed a sixmonth course, featuring several high-performance sessions and eight weeks of training with riders. Carol Nolan, HRI director of people and Equuip, said: ‘The jockey coaching programme underscores the importance Horse Racing Ireland places on the welfare and progression of its professional athletes. ‘By investing in sound coaching practices and providing structure to continuing professional development, HRI’s equuip aims to create a conducive environment for jockeys to flourish in their careers, promoting excellence, resilience and longevity within the sport.’