Former jockey recognised for training instructor work

Former jump jockey Ryan Hatch has won a career development award in recognition of his work this year as a training instructor with the West Midlands based RMF Group.

The two-time Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winning jockey was forced to retire from racing due to injury in 2017 and was recruited in January 2023 as part of a pioneering new initiative funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) aimed at providing unemployed people in the area access to an Equine Management Training Course.

The WMCA has invested £500,000 of its devolved Adult Education Budget to develop and run this innovative programme - the first training course of its type.

To date, Ryan has engaged over 100 learners on the course and learners have successfully gained employment with reputable industry employers.

Ryan has also delivered two courses in HMP prisons. 

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “Many congratulations to Ryan on this achievement. It’s great to see that his hard work, determination, and passion for the sport has been recognised in this way.

“By providing funding towards this rather special equine management training course, delivered by RMF group, we’ve been able to play our part in providing support.

“This RMF programme offers specialist training for local people who might not otherwise get this opportunity – helping participants to gain the niche skills required to access employment within the horse racing industry and further boost their career prospects in the months and years ahead.”