Image
What is an Assistant Trainer?
An Assistant Trainer is a professional who helps the head trainer manage, care for, and train Thoroughbred racehorses, typically at a racetrack or training facility. This role is crucial in preparing horses for racing and maintaining their health and conditioning.
Some of the key responsibilities of an Assistant Trainer include:
- Training support
- Horse care and management
- Staff supervision
- Record keeping
- Raceday duties
- Communication
An assistant trainer is like the head trainer’s right hand—playing a critical role in managing the day-to-day operations of a racing stable and ensuring horses are in peak condition to perform at their best.
Steps to becoming an Assistant Trainer
- NZTR Assistant Trainer Licence
- Level 3 Certificate in Equine Racing
- Employed full time by a Class A trainer as an Assistant Trainer
- Previously held Class A Trainer/Jockey licence, Class B/C Trainer licence, Assistant Trainer licence, Class A Stablehand licence, or Class B Track Work Rider licence
- Prior verifiable, relevant industry experience and racing knowledge
- Willing to take part in Continuing Professional Development
- Good communication skills
- Horsemanship skills
Mitchell Whelan
Young Kiwi Mitchell Whelan was recently accepted into the latest intake of the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program, where successful applicants travel the world learning from the very best in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
We spent some time with Mitchell to learn a bit more about how his non-racing background led to an immersion in the industry, from working for trainer Terry Kennedy, to Cambridge Stud, and White Robe Lodge and more recently as a Foreman at Stephen Marsh Racing.
Forms and Resources
New Zealand Certificate in Equine Racing (Level 4) Assistant Trainer
Designed for those developing their skills and knowledge within the thoroughbred racing industry, this work-based qualification supports progression toward greater responsibility in a racing stable. Guided by industry mentors and grounded in real workplace experience with a Class A trainer, it provides a strong foundation to support your pathway toward trainer licensing
This course is free for all industry participants who are citizens or residents and/or require to undertake the course for licencing purposes. The course is run over 22 months and forms a compulsory aspect of the career pathway to hold a trainer license with NZ Thoroughbred Racing