jockey Chris McCarron, NARA started as basically a school for prospective rid-ers but today offers an additional path for those wanting to enter the equine in - dustry with goals of becoming trainers, farm managers, or bloodstock agents as well. Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner (1987 and 1994 ) Chris McCarron is credited with the idea of the school's creation in 1988 after he addressed a school for professional riders in Japan. It's possibly the most dangerous professional sport in the country. He continues to be involved in NARA providing a capstone class to the graduating class. Caption Dorchester native Chris McCarron, a Hall of Fame jockey who twice won the Kentucky Derby, is the founder of … But the young ladies to whom "Nightline" spoke at the academy were ready to man up. "[But], you know, 'Get back on the horse.' This year's freshmen class has 12 aspiring jockeys, 11 of whom are women, defying the professional racing odds. [9] The main offices of NARA are also located at the Thoroughbred Training Center, which is owned and operated by Keeneland. Chris McCarron is part of the Baby boomers generation. Although he has been accepted into the academy's elite riding program, "Nightline" was there for his first time ever on a horse. Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron will retire Sunday, and while he's leaving at the top of his profession, … "Money doesn't really ever cross my mind," Yetter said. For most, it's nothing more than the simple love of horses, "When you're on that horse, they're running for you," Yetter said. "So it's a lot more dangerous than NASCAR or parachuting or skydiving.". "No princesses, you've got to be one of the guys," Marissa Yetter, 19, said. "I've stopped eating as much chocolate as I used to," she said. Jockeys get 10 percent of the earnings, but only if they win. In Lexington, Ky., where horses and horse racing are part of the local fabric, Reill, originally from Norway, is a few strides away from graduation at the North American Racing Academy, the only professional jockey school in the United States. Also known as "boombers", are the result of the end of World … Chris McCarron was born on March 27, 1955 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, USA. The North American Racing Academy (NARA) is an accredited college in Lexington, Kentucky. The jockey school, still led by McCarron, has had great success. "It's challenging.". The first professional jockey school in the United States, NARA teaches students the fundamentals of professional race riding and horse care with courses in nutrition, finance, communication, rules of racing and technology. "A horse is not going to be able to perform at its optimum peak if it's carrying 100-something pounds," McCarron said. LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the Kentucky Derby is just three days away, many jockeys and trainers are gearing up for the most exciting two minutes in sports: an event that inspires the future generations of riders and trainers, many of those training at the North American Racing Academy. "You have to go into any situation being humble, but yet still being able to say, 'Hey, I'm the best. "I just love horses, love riding, love going fast," Reill, 22, said. Chris McCarron, a Hall of Fame jockey, established the school. The school, which has one and two-year programs in conjunction with the Bluegrass Community and Technical College, is designed to produce not only jockeys. But no experience can be a leg up at the school because novice riders don't have bad habits to break. The mission statement is: "The mission of the North American Racing Academy is to develop and operate a world-class racing school that will provide students with the education, training and experience needed to become skilled in the art of race riding, proficient in the care and management of racehorses, and knowledgeable about the workings of the racing industry as a whole. STU ART JANNEY III I met Chris McCarron in the early 70’s in Maryland where I was racing with then trainer Odie Clelland. Chris McCarron is a Aries and was born in The Year of the Goat Life. “I had heard about the North American Racing Academy in Kentucky and Chris McCarron's jockey school. It's a mental kind of duel personality," Yetter said. The first North American school for jockeys established by Hall of Fame rider Chris McCarron is embarking on an expansion plan that could include a national and international presence. nutrition in the program. [3] The students aren't allowed to bring their own horse, instead everyone rides retired Thoroughbred racehorses provided by the school. “I had heard about the North American Racing Academy in Kentucky and Chris McCarron’s jockey school,” Kellenberger said. NARA is the first and only accredited community college based racing school in the United States. He is 65 years old and is a Aries. Chris McCarron began riding professionally in 1974 at East Coast racetracks where he won the 1974 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in the United States. Chris McCarron played a hands-on role in the school until his retirement in December 2014. "I've never ridden and now I'm here," Roberts said. “I’m very pleased with the results we have had so far,” McCarron said. At 5-foot-2 and 112 pounds, Chase Roberts, a 20-year-old from North Carolina, was ready to stand his ground against his female classmates. "I never touched the horse until I was 16 years of age, and I was riding professionally when I was 19," he said. Jockey School Students Risk Lives for Horse Racing Perfection. "You can feel that. [11] The program lasts two years and graduated are awarded an associate degree in Equine Science. He is known for his work on Seabiscuit … That's going way back,” said Chris McCarron, who started a jockey school in Kentucky when his Hall of Fame riding career ended. I went there for about a year. Standing at 5 feet, 5 inches tall, she pushes forward with the horse as one powerful muscle machine. He moved to race in California in 1977, a year he scored his first of three wins in the Kentucky Oaks. “I went there for about a year. Compare that to body fat percentages for the average American, which is around 18 percent for men and 25 percent for women. The school prefers riders weigh less than 112 pounds and body fat expectations are far more rigid than other athletes, on par with the lowest percentage of body fat necessary to even survive. "And just trying not to go over 1,500 calories a day.". The 50s were also the beginning of the Space Race, Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement. Although Yetter's competition at the academy was mostly veteran riders, there was one freshman who had the audacity to be a novice. He continues to be involved in NARA providing a capstone class to the graduating class. "I couldn't wait to get back on the horse that knocked me off.". “You do that to prevent a horse from passing you. "They call it 'flipping.'". "Honestly, I would be happy sitting on a plot of land in a trailer and having horses around me and riding on the track every day. Over the course of the two-year program, Kentucky residents pay $150 per credit and out of state students pay $450 per credit. McCarron Spearheads Kentucky Jockey School - BloodHorse With 7,141 wins, and more than $264 million in purses, retired Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron knows something about the craft of … "Since 1940, at least two jockeys a year … are paralyzed," McCarron said. "Unfortunately, bulimia is a pretty prevalent problem amongst jockeys and taking diuretics ...," McCarron said. They are all here for different reasons. This is her shot at being a professional jockey in the death-defying, adrenaline-pumping sport of thoroughbred racing, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. It's that kind of pressure that can be dangerous. NARA is the first and only accredited community college based racing school in the United States. June 12, 2013— -- Wearing a bright-pink helmet, Vanessa Reill flies down the dirt track on the back of a racehorse. Since 2006, jockeys who completed the program have ridden in more than 11,000 races and earned more than $16 million. The 1950s is often viewed as "baby boom" and a period of conformity, when young and old alike followed group norms rather than striking out on their own. It offers the only college degree program in the United States focused on producing jockeys. "I fell off and had a bad concussion last summer," she said. Reining In the Past : Search for the Truth Led Judy McCarron, Wife of Jockey Chris, to the Parents and Five Sisters She Had Never Known By MIKE DOWNEY Nov. 29, 1996 12 AM PT It's adrenaline for some. I love it. Like Chase, McCarron said he came into racing without much prior experience. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? For the past 28 years, Chris McCarron has displayed his, and horse racing is a stronger sport because of it. "I never touched the horse until I was 16 years of age, and I was riding professionally when I was 19," he said. Chris McCarron was born in 1950s. CNBC' s Melissa Francis looks inside famed jockey Chris McCarron's North American Racing Academy, the only program of its if kind in the U.S. Jockey … But no matter what the career path, everyone does barn work, has classes and takes exams. Hall of Fame rider Chris McCarron, one of the winningest jockeys of all time, founded the North American Racing Academy in 2006. Hall of Fame jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner (1987 [1] and 1994[2]) Chris McCarron is credited with the idea of the school's creation in 1988 after he addressed a school for professional riders in Japan. The previous record was set by Sandy Hawley in 1973 with 515 wins in a year. When I wasn’t in school, I would go to the track on my own and try to get on horses, even though it was against the rules. [3] Chris McCarron played a hands-on role in the school until his retirement in December 2014. When I first met Jack, he was a 14 year old jockey student at the British Racing School who was visiting Lexington on a Sister Cities Exchange with the North American Racing Academy, run by Chris McCarron. North American Racing Academy is the only jockey school in the United States. Many countries that have Thoroughbred racing require anyone applying for a jockey's license to have completed a course at a recognized school for jockeys, but the United States does not. "When we first started riding, it was basically like the movie, 'Hunger Games.'". Then after I felt I was ready, I tried to explore my options. After 60 credits, students earn an associates degree. When "Nightline" visited the school again a few months after seeing Chase Roberts' first ride, he had fallen off and injured his knee, sidelining him for a month. Hall of Fame rider Chris McCarron, one of the winningest jockeys of all time, founded the North American Racing Academy in 2006. While initially focusing on jockey training and development, the school has expanded with the horseman pathway that provides graduates with the skills to work in training barns, farm management, and breeding operations. He mounted his first horse ever at 16.5 years old and was racing professionally by 18. Inside Chris McCarron’s jockey school. There are 48 accidents each week involving jockeys, according to the Jockey's Guild, which represents thoroughbred horse racing and U.S. professional quarter horse racing jockeys. The program curriculum is four semesters in length and includes courses in equine physiology, racehorse riding principles, stable operations, riding techniques and general equine studies. Jockeys will risk their health and even their lives for a shot at professional racing. 111 were here. 'Flipping' in this world is slang for bulimic behavior. Jockey School. While her mother worries about her daughter's safety, Yetter said she doesn't let the potential danger bother her. [3] In 2006, the North American Racing Academy was formed as part of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Christopher John McCarron (born March 27, 1955, Boston, Massachusetts) is a retired American thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey. Reill is a gifted rider and has a slim build but, she said, she still struggles to meet the weight requirements. in the United States in Lexington, Ky., includes a required course in . He was invited to speak at a local jockey school … National Racing Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron founded the academy and has been its executive director and instructor since it opened in 2006. Racing a thoroughbred requires different techniques than show jumping or dressage. His school for jockeys is so important for many reasons and his service on the Thoroughbred Safety Committee has brought a wonderful perspective to protecting both horses and jockeys. 111 were here. Discover what happened on this day. I would be totally content with that.". I'm 19 years old, and I'm living my dream. McCarron will be joined in the ceremony by three of his eight brothers and sisters, including his older brother, Gregg, who preceded him into retirement as a jockey. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. At only 19 years old (his first year as a jockey) Chris McCarron wove a spell that brought his mounts to the winner's circle 547 times in 1974, breaking all records for most races won in a year. Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron founded the jockey school in 2006. [10], Coursework includes riding and horse care as well as with courses in nutrition, fitness, finance, communication, rules of racing, and technology. [6], The goal of the school is to provide the Thoroughrbed racing industry with a competent trained workforce. "Some jockeys would order a $20 steak and 20 minutes later go into the bathroom and throw it up," Yetter said. Chris McCarron, Actor: Seabiscuit. North American Racing AcademyTVG NetworkPosted by: Ryan PachecoProducer: Scott Pearson EberlyEditor: Keoni Tyler But I saw that some of them were pretty good at riding and I was like, 'Dang, they know what they're doing and I don't.'". Now, when I type “Jack Gilligan jockey” into Google, I’m met with lists of races and wins, pictures and stories about his success (so far) in the U.S. Jack Gilligan, jockey. It's money for others. "[7], The equine part of the curriculum is taught at the Thoroughbred Training Center,[8] and coursework is taught at the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 2006 by Hall of Fame jockey, Chris McCarron, the North American Racing Academy (NARA), now offered through BCTC Equine, is the first and only community college-based racehorse riding certificate in the United States. You don't let it faze you.". Christopher John “Chris” McCarron is a retired American thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey. Aside from the jockey-training program, the academy also offers a "Horseman's Pathway" program for students aiming to be grooms, exercise riders or, ideally, trainers. "All the girls didn't intimidate me, no complaints about that. During the academy's selective admissions, size is considered more than riding experience. Looking at the odds, only two of these women will make it to the big time, but, first, they will have to elbow out the Pennsylvania native, who, at 5-foot-3 and about 105 pounds, knows full well it's a cut-throat sport. Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, who recently opened the first jockey school. Chris McCarron was born in Massachusetts, United States on Sunday, March 27, 1955 (Baby Boomers Generation). I can kick all your butts.' McCarron got the idea to start the jockey school after winning the Japan Cup aboard Pay the Butler in 1988. "This is the only school of its kind in the United States," Hayes said. "I don't want to give it up," he said. Congratulations Chris on this very well deserved honor. "Nightline" goes inside the only professional jockey school in the United States. McCarron said that as of this winter it has 16 graduates who are riding regularly and have collectively racked up nearly $30 million in purse earnings. "[Jockeys] have the greatest ability to stay out of the horse's way to the highest degree.". Through the academy, aspiring jockeys learn the techniques and rules of professional race riding, as well as how to care for horses, including courses in nutrition, fitness and technology. NARA was started in 2006 by Chris McCarron, a Hall of Fame jockey with over $250 million in purse earnings. Like Chase, McCarron said he came into racing without much prior experience. Only 16 percent of licensed jockeys in the United States are female, and of the top 100 jockeys right now, only two are women. "Your typical male jockey has a body fat percentage that ranges between three and seven," McCarron said. Chris McCarron's jockey school is the only accredited school in the business here in the states, you end up with an associates degree, and it is a decent program for some people. Interview appeared in The Enquire, June 23, 2002 . [7], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}38°05′49″N 84°25′16″W / 38.097°N 84.421°W / 38.097; -84.421, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 113th Kentucky Derby: Chris McCarron aboard Alysheba wins in 2:03.4 May 2 in History, 120th Kentucky Derby: Chris McCarron on Go For Gin wins in 2:03.6 May 7 in History, North American Racing Academy - About Us - NARA Background, http://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/louisville/content/story.html?story_id=1291702, International Federation of Horseracing Authorities : News, North American Racing Academy Team Contact Information, North American Racing Academy - About Us - NRA FAQs, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_Racing_Academy&oldid=1007381914, Private universities and colleges in Kentucky, Educational institutions established in 2006, Universities and colleges in Lexington, Kentucky, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 17 February 2021, at 21:03. 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