Cathal Finnegan

• Celebrated team successes by organizing post-event gatherings that fostered camaraderie among staff members and increased overall morale within the stable community.
• Supported head trainer during race days by monitoring horses'' performance from the sidelines and providing real-time feedback as needed.
• Contributed to overall success of the stable by assisting in marketing efforts such as social media updates and creation of promotional materials showcasing recent achievements.
• Aided in pre-race preparations such as grooming, tacking up, and warming up the horse before competitions.
• Expanded knowledge of dietary supplements beneficial for equine athletes by regularly consulting with nutrition experts specializing in equestrian sports nutrition needs.
• Assisted in transporting horses to races or events, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for the animals.
• Ensured safe and clean living environments for horses by overseeing stable management and daily care routines.
• Established strong rapport with horse owners, providing regular updates on their animals'' development and answering any questions or concerns they may have.
• Supported younger or inexperienced staff members in learning proper horse handling techniques, promoting a positive work environment for all team members.
• Identified areas of improvement in each horse''s form and technique, implementing targeted exercises to address weaknesses.
• Collaborated with veterinarians to monitor horses'' health and address any medical concerns promptly.
• Assisted in the selection process for new horses, evaluating potential candidates based on temperament, physical ability, and suitability for specific racing disciplines.
• Enhanced horse performance by implementing customized training programs tailored to individual needs and abilities.
• Maintained detailed records of each horse''s progress, enabling informed decision-making regarding future training strategies.
• Assisted head trainer in developing comprehensive training schedules, ensuring optimal preparation for races and events.
• Provided treatment for minor horse injuries.
• Managed feeding, rugging and general stable procedures, communicating issues, or significant maintenance requirements to management when necessary.
• Scheduled farrier and vet appointments regularly.
• Rode horses in training sessions and provided feedback on track performance.
• Rode horses to meet required pace or timed work and executed jump-outs to develop skills and compliance of individual animals.
• Maintained animal health records, treating minor injuries, and reporting serious injuries to owners for consultation with veterinarians.

Ride thoroughbreds at varying speeds, from walking to controlled half-pace and three-quarter pace.

A Track Rider's duties require strength as well as judgement, it's skilled work as riders need to be able to interpret information that concerns each horse's action and health to a high level of accuracy when reporting back to the trainer.

Many Track Riders are employed by a trainer, but some work freelance, riding work for a number of different stables, in this instance they must possess a high-level of riding skill. This can often be the case in smaller training centres where individual trainers don't have enough horses to warrant the full time employment of their own Track Riders. There is a growing need for Track Riders and there are a high number of casual positions available at most race tracks around Australia. Some larger stables offer incentives for those riders who want to just ride work while holding down a job in another field.

Track work commences in the early hours of the morning with most major metropolitan racecourses opening at 4am, with provincial and country racecourses opening slightly later.

All Track Riders must be licensed by their respective Principle Racing Authority to ensure they have the adequate skills required to handle thoroughbreds. Track Riders will often have previous experience riding horses.