How aspiring jockeys without family connections can get started in the pointing world thanks to a fantastic new initiative

Saturday’s Randox Grand National will involve a host of jockeys whose journey in the sport began in point-to-points, and a fresh initiative is seeking to make sure even more aspiring jockeys are able to get started on that same path.

JockeyStart, which was founded by Will Ramsay in 2023, was designed to help aspiring jockeys have their first rides in point-to-points. In doing so, it welcomes new participants into the sport while continuing point-to-point’s role as a breeding ground for National Hunt racing.

Momentum is building, and more schoolmaster-type horses are being sought for next season. While the project is currently focused in the north, plans are in motion for it to expand nationwide.

Ramsay, a former amateur jockey who now trains pointers, explained: “We’ve had great success with the northern area’s two-season pilot scheme—five jockeys, five horses, six winners and several placings. Now is the time to roll the project out nationally. 

"The sports need each other. There are fewer horses in pointing; the days of a farmer having a home-trained horse, fed on home-grown oats and galloped around the headlands, are long gone. Larger commercial yards sell promising maiden winners, most of whom progress to National Hunt racing, while older handicap chasers make ideal schoolmasters. These horses can help encourage staff to stay in racing and attract new talent to the industry.”

The financial burden of keeping a point-to-pointer makes race-riding inaccessible for many racing staff, especially those without family connections in the sport. As a result, potential talent often goes unfulfilled, and JockeyStart offers a solution that benefits all participants.

Ramsay says: “We approach trainers to see if owners would consider repurposing older handicap chasers as schoolmasters. This helps attract and retain staff. There are two funding options: either the owner retains ownership and contributes to costs – especially if the jockey works in their yard, where they’d be expected to care for and ride the horse in their own time – or the owner loans or gifts the horse to JockeyStart and it is placed in the candidate’s yard. 

"Ideally, the owner continues to contribute in some way, but each case is different. We also have an inclusive WhatsApp group, and owners involved so far have found the experience incredibly rewarding – every race feels like a win, even if the horse doesn’t win.”

Anthony Honeyball: has helped staff compete in point-to-points this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Several high-profile trainers have historically provided schoolmasters for staff to compete in point-to-points, recognising the value in developing young jockeys and improving staff retention. Dan Skelton and Fergal O’Brien have long supported this approach, while this season Anthony Honeyball and David Pipe have also embraced the concept and already seen success. While they operate outside the JockeyStart umbrella, their involvement further proves collaboration between point-to-pointing and National Hunt racing strengthens both sports.

“JockeyStart offers a sort of ‘kitemark’, signalling to owners and aspiring jockeys that a trainer supports both sports in this way,” Ramsay said. 

“Many people might not even be aware of these opportunities. JockeyStart also gives participants the confidence that a support system is in place. On racedays, our WhatsApp group is constantly buzzing with good luck messages – it really brings everyone together.”

The initiative is open to all point-to-point handlers. Ramsay himself trains Diable De Sivola, who has won twice this season within the scheme under Jessika Rennie. Rennie is based with Nick Alexander, as is Jess Jubb, another JockeyStart-winning jockey. This season, Rebekah Duffy rode Wild Polly, loaned to the scheme by Rose Dobbin and trained by Susan Corbett, and won on her very first ride. “If we can spread the word within the racing community and continue launching race-riding careers, it can only be a positive,” Ramsay added.

Looking to the future, he said: “We are in the process of setting up JockeyStart as a charity to attract more donations and provide financial support to trainers and jockeys. I'm also looking for a part-time volunteer to act as secretary of JockeyStart.”

Ramsay had his first ride in 1991 and recalled: “I had a wonderful time riding in both the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters. I rode 22 winners in point-to-points and five under rules before injury forced my retirement two seasons ago—you don’t bounce as well at 54! I love the amateur racing community, which brings together four types of people: risk-takers, optimists, horse lovers, and country folk. Each is vital to the future of both sports.”

Outside of JockeyStart, Ramsay is the chief executive of the Affordable Art Fair, a company he founded 30 years ago. The business runs art-buying events globally, attracting a quarter of a million art lovers annually.

JockeyStart can be found on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, contact Will Ramsay at will@ramsayfairs.com or 07764 960054.

Weekend fixtures

Saturday

Bitterley, Shropshire, SY8 3HF. 7 races. First race 12.30pm

High Easter, Essex, CM1 4QL. 7 races. 13.00pm.

Sunday

Tabley, Cheshire, WA16 0HB. 6 races. 2pm.

Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire, YO60 6TN. 13.00pm.

Cherrybrook, Devon, P19 0LA. 13.30pm.     

Kingston Blount, Oxfordshire, OX39 4SG. 13.00pm.

The Front Runner is our unmissable email newsletter available exclusively to Racing Post+ subscribers. Chris Cook provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday. Not a Racing Post+ subscriber? Join today