Clovis Metcalfe, head of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), says that the seemingly higher amount charged by the regulatory body of local horse racing for the training of apprentice jockeys is due to a mere three per cent annual increase over the years, which is considered in line with inflation rates and general cost increases.

The cost of attending the 2024 JRC Jockeys’ Training Programme is set at $500,000 for two terms. The 2019 cost was $435,000, compared to $350,000 for the 2018 set of riders.

According to Metcalfe, the increased fees are explained by higher operational costs, including transportation, food, graduation expenses, and training materials.

“Yeah, but considering the number of years, it’s just about a three per cent annual increase based on inflation. So it’s not an extra cost,” Metcalfe told the Jamaica Observer.

“Remember it includes graduation cost and the materials and all those stuff. Transportation is a major thing, as well, as we have to take them to the gym, we have to take them to the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), and so forth.

“The training is out at Caymanas Park, but we have several sessions where we’ll be at the JRC office at Winchester Road. And so they will be moving around quite a bit. Plus, there is also cost of print materials,” he added.

Despite the price hike, Metcalfe said the programme is still being subsidised by $3 million from the commission to aid its continuation.

“So, what happens is that we are actually subsidising it by $3 million. Although we said it’s at $500,000, we are still subsidising the programme,” said Metcalfe, who is also the chairman of BGLC.

Metcalfe said a flexible payment plan has been introduced for the trainees who are unable to afford the full tuition fee up front. This plan, according to Metcalfe, allows them to pay half of the fee initially, with the remainder discussed during the second term.

This initiative has led to 21 trainee apprentices signing up and paying their half, showing positive initial feedback and adaptation to the price increase. Additionally, the start of the school term has been pushed back to early May to allow more time for potential students to arrange their finances.

“Well, we have right now agreed for them to pay half of it, and then after, when the second term starts, we’ll talk about that. So, we have extended the time for them to pay and so far, 21 have signed up and paid. We have allowed additional time for the others to pay up and so, we’re going to start the school in early May,” he explained.

In an interview with RJR News, champion jockey Reyan Lewis explained that due to the hefty initiation cost, he had to go into his savings to support his younger brother, who was chosen to attend the school.

“I think it is a lot. I have a brother who is going to the school and I had to go into my savings to get him there,” Lewis said.

Javaugh Prince, one of the chosen applicants, said that he is seeking assistance to attend the school.

“I have been trying to get into the riding school for 2024; however, it has been too expensive and my parents cannot afford it. I am only earning $2,500 per week and also the trainers cannot afford to help me at the moment,” Prince told RJR News.

Metcalfe said that JRC Jockeys’ Training Programme is very successful in producing highly talented jockeys, with many graduates moving on to successful careers overseas, indicating the high quality of training provided.

He also said that a comparison with international training programmes suggests that the local programme is on par or superior, and attributed to the high demand for their jockeys worldwide. Metcalfe also mentioned plans to introduce a diploma programme in collaboration with local educational authorities, Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART), aiming to further formalise and enhance the training’s value.

“We have produced excellent jockeys. As soon as they have become professionals, they have gone on to greener pastures with many of them living overseas now and doing very well.

“I would think that it [our training programme] would be comparable, both the trainers and the jockeys would be comparable, or better, because our jockeys are well-sought-after all over the world.

“And we want to introduce a diploma programme for them. We are speaking with HEART to see if they can provide some sort of diploma when the training is completed,” Metcalfe affirmed.

Dr Sophia Ramlal, one of the lecturers at the school, said that the JRC Jockeys’ Training Programme has been in operation for decades and it enabled many exercise riders to become apprentices and, ultimately, professional jockeys.

While not all go on to become champions, Dr Ramlal said that most of the riders are able to successfully compete, both locally and internationally, and others have transitioned to become successful trainers, which is another indicator of the contribution of the school to the talent pool.

“Our programme has all the core elements of a professional jockey training programme,” Dr Ramlal told the Observer.

“It compares brilliantly with international programmes. Applicants had to pass weight, gate, and literacy tests and be reviewed by trainers in order to be accepted to the school. Successful completion will require them to pass sectional assessments, maintain a weight of 110 pounds or less, and optimise fitness and nutrition.

“They also have to display good knowledge of race riding, horse anatomy, and welfare, all while performing their daily duties as exercise riders. The school also affords trainees the use of mechanical horses, which is in keeping with the best standards in jockey training. Expectations are high that even with the programme being made more rigorous, the natural talents of the trainees and the learning experiences of the 2024 school will produce some of the finest graduates yet,” Dr Ramlal said.

On Wednesday, April 24, the JRC Jockey’s Training Programme orientation was held at Caymanas Park, and a handful of the riders expressed confidence in their ability to realise their objective.

Joy Haynes, one of the applicants, stated that becoming a jockey has been her lifelong desire and that she will achieve it.

“The orientation process was satisfactory. I liked everything they planned to do with us, and I am looking forward to it,” she remarked.

“I’m ready for school.” I’ve been in the game for around four years, but I got injured during that period and had to make a comeback since I love the sport. I will undoubtedly be successful,” Haynes said.

Everette Clunis, who is the adopted son of trainer Lydia Anglin, along with Jereau Stewart and Eric Haughton have also shown positive signs from the orientation process.