The Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) has partnered with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to bolster the performance of its jockey athletes.

Researchers from Wintec’s Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance continue to work closely with NZTR to shape and deliver components of its existing Elite Jockey Programme.

Introduced in mid-March, the new aspects of the programme combine modern, scientific methods with traditional practices.

Tutorial at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus

Head of Education, Training, and Recruitment at NZTR, Amy Johnson, is excited about the collaboration with Wintec to deliver tangible results for the next generation of Kiwi jockeys.

“Working together with Wintec will help us [NZTR] to take our apprentice training programme to the elite level.

“We’re excited to enhance our approach to training and performance development, using science-based, data-driven methods to support the development of our jockeys.

“Horse racing is a high-performance sport, and our jockeys are professional athletes. By investing in their development, we’re ensuring the sustainability of horse racing in New Zealand,” said Amy.

The new components delivered by Wintec focus on the nutritional, mental, and physical aspects of athlete development.

Wintec is taking a holistic approach to jockey performance and wellbeing, utilising proven techniques currently implemented in other high-performance sports, such as rugby, cycling, and rowing.

Principal Academic Staff Member with Wintec Dr. Russ Best believes there is untapped potential in the horse racing industry and is enthusiastic about working with NZTR to unlock it.

“We’re really excited about working with NZTR and their Elite Jockey Programme.

“When thinking about what a stereotypical high-performance athlete looks like, a jockey, for most people, doesn’t typically come to mind. But handling a half-tonne animal going over 60km per hour is no easy feat.

“A jockey needs to be light, nimble, strong, focused, and well-fuelled.

“We aim to provide the tools and expertise to help them [jockeys] thrive in the racing industry,” said Russ.

Russ and his team are creating tailored performance plans for each participant by measuring and tracking their body composition, nutrition status, and physical endurance.

NZTR Racehorse Simulator - Wintec Rotokauri Campus

In addition to promoting physical development, the programme has a particular focus on developing mental strength, with the support of the team at Wintec working with performance psychologist Dr Rod Corban from RMC performance psychology

“Athletes competing in high-pressure environments, where strict weight requirements and significant financial stakes are at play, can face serious challenges to their wellbeing," said Russ.

“Mental health is a large factor we looked at in the design of this programme and is something NZTR takes very seriously.”

Russ warns poor nutrition can lower mood levels, increase chance of injuries, contribute to poor overall performance, and in some cases lead to the development of eating disorders.

“Meeting weight requirements can be tough on the body, physically and mentally. By proactively providing athletes with the tools, knowledge, and support to address issues before they arise, we can help mitigate larger problems down the track.”

Kerin McDonald, Team Manager for Wintec’s Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance, believes working with local organisations to provide practical learning scenarios for Wintec students is key to facilitating their growth.

“We’re able to prepare our students for careers after study by working with industry to provide them with real-world experience.”

Wintec provides a number of learning pathways, supporting people to achieve their career goals, to learn more head to wintec.ac.nz/study-at-wintec/courses/sport-science-and-human-performance/

To learn more about NZTR’s NZ jockey apprenticeship, head to careers.loveracing.nz/new-zealand-jockey-apprenticeship