Jockey coach

Former Flat jockey Richard Perham on talent-spotting, and swimming a Derby runner alongside hippos in Kenya

- Kate Johnson

At the British Racing School, we train and assess young jockeys for amateur and professional licences. The curriculum has evolved to include sports science, substance abuse, race-day procedures, simulator sessions, studying form, diet, nutrition, and cooking over two weeks.

We’re trying to promote jockeys seeing themselves as professional athletes. Simon Milton is a former footballer who lectures here about making the most of your career. He says athletes should only fail in professional sport through lack of ability – rather than not being fit enough or under-prepared.

My simulator isn’t motorised or spring-loaded; every forward and back movement is from your push. I’ve taken away everything you can balance on other than stirrups. You learn to be so balanced you’re not compromising the horse.