HRI in apprentice initiative Last year's co-winners of the apprentice title, Gary Carroll, Ben Curtis and Joseph O’Brien, have been designated as 'Rising Stars of Flat Racing for 2011' in a new initiative by HRI to promote racing. HRI today revealed that the objective of the ‘Rising Stars’ initiative is to increase the profile of Flat racing and to allow racing fans and the general public to get to know more about the work and lifestyle of the jockeys. A key part of their role will be to give an inside view of their daily routine, riding out, diet and fitness, preparations for race days and their general take on life inside and outside racing. The ‘Rising Stars of Flat Racing’ implements a number of recommendations of the Strategic Marketing Report, commissioned by HRI: Celebrate the stars of the turf; create social media networks which will build communities of people interested in racing and tell the story of racing to a wider public, particularly a younger audience. The public can follow the ‘Rising Stars’ through their Facebook page, on twitter and their weekly diary on goracing.ie Gary Carroll said: “I am really pleased to be involved in HRI’s ‘Rising Stars of Flat Racing’ campaign. It looks like an interesting and fun project to be part of. I’ve had some great moments in racing, especially winning the Ebor on Sesenta and the apprentice rider championship title. Hopefully this season, with my new ‘Rising Star’ job, I can have a repeat performance and share my stories with racegoers.” Ben Curtis said: “Michael Kinane is a big hero of mine, so to follow in his HRI Flat Ambassador footsteps is a great honour. I’m looking forward to working with HRI, Gary and Joseph to get more people our age to come racing and giving Facebook and Twitter a crack.” Joseph O’Brien said: Racing is a great industry and I am in a very privileged position that I have a job I love to do. I’m delighted to be involved in ‘Rising Stars of Flat Racing’ to promote my sport, especially the up-coming Summer Festivals. I’m looking forward to keeping in touch with everyone through our weekly diaries too.”
