
How do I become a track rider?
Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
- Completed Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or equivalent qualifications OR
- Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience

Certificate II in Racing Industry
- There are no mandated entry requirements.


Certificate III in Horse Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.



Related occupations
Stable Hand
A Stable Hand feeds, grooms, and exercises horses while maintaining stables and equipment, requiring physical stamina and excellent horse handling skills.
Stable Manager
A Stable Manager supervises daily operations in a horse stable, ensuring horse care and managing staff, finances, and schedules efficiently.
Trainee Farrier
A Trainee Farrier treats horse hooves, fits horseshoes, works irregular hours, and requires strong communication and horse handling skills.
Farrier
A Farrier trims and shapes horses’ hooves, fits custom shoes, treats hoof issues, and works irregular hours, requiring strong horse handling skills.
Racing Cadet Steward
A Racing Cadet Steward oversees horse races, ensuring compliance with regulations, handling investigations, and enforcing rules on equipment, performances, and animal care.
Horse Trainer
A Horse Trainer prepares horses for racing or competitions, develops fitness, trains behaviour, and aids in recovery, requiring horse handling skills and team collaboration.
Jockey
A Jockey rides horses in races, assists with training, develops racing plans, and manages horse fitness, requiring physical fitness, tactical thinking, and teamwork.
Horse Breeding Assistant
A Horse Breeding Assistant supports breeding, training, and care of horses for racing, dressage, and more, working irregular hours as needed.
Horse Riding Instructor
A Horse Riding Instructor coaches students in equestrian techniques, conducts lessons, prepares them for competitions, and adapts to individual needs.
Common questions
How much does a Track Rider earn?
In Australia, a full time Track Rider generally earns $1,440 per week ($74,880 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Track Rider?
This industry has experienced a drop in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 2,900 people working as a Track Rider in Australia, compared to 3,100 five years ago. Track Riders may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Track Rider?
If you’re interested in a career as a Track Rider, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider). You’ll develop high level riding skills to exercise thoroughbred racehorses. This course covers a range of topics including racing industry ethics, personal health and fitness for working with horses, attending to horses at race meetings and handling horses in stables.
Further reading


Are you studying with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?
2nd July 2019)