North American Racing Academy
The North American Racing Academy (NARA) is an accredited college in Lexington, Kentucky. It offers the only college degree program in the United States focused on producing jockeys.
History
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.[3] Chris McCarron played a hands-on role in the school until his retirement in December 2014. He continues to be involved in NARA providing a capstone class to the graduating class.
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.[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.[4]
While the program is the only college level program in the United States for jockeys, there are programs in racetrack management at the University of Louisville[5] and the University of Arizona.[6]
Mission
The goal of the school is to provide the
Facilities
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.[9] The main offices of NARA are also located at the Thoroughbred Training Center, which is owned and operated by Keeneland.[10]
Curriculum
Coursework includes riding and
References
- ^ 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
- ^ a b c North American Racing Academy - About Us - NARA Background
- ^ "Commission on Colleges". Archived from the original on 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
- ^ "Equine Industry Program". Archived from the original on 2006-09-04. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
- ^ UANews.org[usurped]
- ^ a b North American Racing Academy - About Us
- ^ "Error". Archived from the original on 2015-06-30. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
- ^ International Federation of Horseracing Authorities : News
- ^ North American Racing Academy Team Contact Information
- ^ North American Racing Academy - About Us - NRA FAQs