Radio training for jockeys

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33739, 11 January 1975, Page 10

Radio training for jockeys

After seeing a horse bolt and throw a young apprentice jockey during a work ride, an Australian trainer, Mr Frank Flannery, decided there must be more he could do to prevent this than helplessly watch.

His subsequent idea to use a two-way radio link between trainer and jockey has revolutionised early morning workouts for up-and-coming jockeys at Ascot racecourse in Perth.

Mr Flannery, during a 33-year career, was a leading jockey in Western Australia, Malaysia and India before retiring in 1969 because of ill health.

He is now riding instructor for the apprentice school of the Western Australian Turf Club. About 80 apprentices work with more than 60 jockeys to train 240 horses each morning at Ascot. Nearly half the

apprentices have riding permits. Mr Flannery straps a transistor receiver just under a boy’s rib-cage and tapes an earplug into the ear and an aerial down the leg before the

boy mounts for the track. Then he stands at the rails with a two-way walkie-talkie. “I talk to the boys as they go,” Mr Flannery said, “correcting faults in seating, handling, style and advising on pacework and general judgment. “They hear and can respond immediately, feeling instant result of their change of tactic. “This method of instruction is more direct and effective than standing by and commenting after a lap.

“It is also safer than riding beside the boy. Companion mounts develop a competitive spirit. If the apprentice’s horse breaks away from his control, a trainer in pursuit will only make the' horse ahead move faster.” The apprentices are between 15 and 20 years of age. Mr Flannery uses the two-way training system solidly with beginners,

who usually decide themselves when they have enough confidence to work without it. Otherwise it could be used at any stage of training to correct a specific fault. Mr Flannery has trained from seven to 12 apprentices a year to riding permit stage. Using two-way radio training he expects to put through up to 25 a year.

This story is supplied by the Australian Information Service. The pictures show Mr Frank Flannery and an apprentice jockey using the radio equipment.