Scots college hires a jockey to teach students about horses

A jockey has been appointed to teach and assess the progress of equine students at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

Jockey Rachael will be putting students through their equitation lessons

Rachael McDonald will combine her role as a lecturer at SRUC’s Oatridge campus in West Lothian with her career as a successful jockey, which has seen her win two Borders Nationals at Kelso Racecourse as well as the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh.

The appointment was made by SRUC as part of its partnership with the Scottish Racing Academy (SRA), which provides courses for students who want to develop their skills and gain the appropriate qualifications for a career within the racing industry in Scotland and northern England.

The ‘sport of kings’ industry – which has steadily attracted more women in recent years – was severely affected by the Coronavirus lockdown, with meets scrapped or re-arranged in the initial outbreak, and is now making a slow recovery.

Rachael, who has also spent some time as a work rider at racing yards across Scotland, will teach students on the National Certificate in Horse Care (Racehorse Care specialism) course to ensure they are fully equipped and able to reach their full potential in the horse racing industry.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining SRUC and the SRA at such an exciting time for aspiring racing staff to develop their skills for a successful career in horse racing.

“I can’t wait to help students accelerate their individual development and provide them with the best education to achieve their individual goals.”

Dr Louise Bulmer, Programme Team Leader for the equine courses at SRUC’s Oatridge campus, said: “The SRA’s racing-specific educational developments will equip the next generation of racing professionals with the skills they need to progress in their chosen careers.

“We are delighted to have Rachael on board to deliver the racing specialism study route at SRUC.”

Eleanor Boden, Manager of the Scottish Racing Academy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rachael to our fast-growing team at the SRA, and are confident that her knowledge and passion for our wonderful sport will be transferred to the next generation of racing staff.”

For more information about studying at SRUC, visit www.sruck.ac.uk

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates