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What is a Track Work Rider?
A Thoroughbred racing trackwork rider is a professional who rides racehorses during morning training sessions to help keep them fit, strong, and ready to compete. They play a vital behind-the-scenes role in a racing stable, ensuring each horse follows its training program correctly and safely.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Track Work Rider include:
- Daily Exercise and Conditioning
- Feedback to the Trainer
- Handling and Safety
- Preparation and Equipment
- Communication
A Thoroughbred racing trackwork rider is the athlete behind the athlete — the person who builds a horse’s fitness, confidence, and readiness long before race day. They are crucial to the success of every racehorse, providing the trainer with the insight and conditioning that turns raw potential into race-winning performance.
Steps to becoming a Track Work Rider
- Class B Miscellaneous Track Work Rider (Slow) Licence
- Class B Miscellaneous Track Work Rider (Fast) Licence
- International Licence Track Work Rider
- Level 3 Trackwork Riding Skills and Safety for a Slow Work Licence
- Excellent riding ability, balance, and fitness — able to ride strong horses over long sessions.
- Deep understanding of equine behavior and racehorse training.
- Calm, patient, and confident — especially with young or spirited horses.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with trainers and stable staff.
- Must often rise very early (3–5 a.m.) and work in all weather conditions.
Lily Iremonger
Lily Iremonger has always had a passion for horses, but it wasn’t until she leased a pony off Waipukurau trainer Kirsty Lawrence that she extended that passion into racing.
Lawrence encouraged her to compete in a pony scurry and now the young rider is hooked, competing in the LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry series with big dreams of a career in the saddle.