A former lorry driver
has re-launched his career as a jockey after help from employment
and skills experts Working Links.
Martin Allan, 23, of Stockton-on-Tees, has set
his sights on riding his way to a better future following years of
temporary, unfulfilling work.
After deciding to follow in the footsteps of his
brother, David Allan, Martin turned to Working Links for help.
He said: “I’d never even ridden a horse before I
came to Working Links but I’ve seen how happy my brother was and I
thought that I’d give it a go.
“When I told people at Working Links that I
wanted to be a jockey, I didn’t really know how they’d react – but
they were really supportive. It’s quite difficult getting started
as a jockey but Working Links have made it very easy for me.”
During his time with Working Links, the
back-to-work organisation funded Martin’s training and also
supplied all-important race equipment in readiness for his new
career. The company also supported him through a 12-week
residential programme by paying for essentials.
And now, Martin is employed by the Colin Teague
stable on the outskirts of Durham, has gained his race licence and
is itching to get on the course.
He added: “I’ve passed all of my training, got
my licence and am ready to go.
“When I was driving for a living, I used to do a
couple of days here and there but now I’m working Monday to
Saturday and I’m loving it. It’s a lot of work but it’s worth
it.
“At the moment I’m concentrating on flat races
but I’d love to go over some jumps in the future.”
Owner and trainer Colin Teague said: “Martin is
a natural in the saddle and a good horseman. We have high
hopes for him and it is amazing what he has achieved in this short
period of time.”
Martin’s Personal Consultant at Working Links,
Simon Smith said: “When Martin came to me and said ‘I’m a HGV
driver and I would like to retrain as a jockey’, I thought this
doesn’t happen every day.
“I asked Martin to research into the training he
might need and he came back with all the information.
Everything took off from there – Martin was consistently getting
rave reviews from the riding school and the feedback was that
Martin would make a good jockey one day.
“I’m really proud of what he has achieved and
I’m just waiting for the tips to start coming in now.”
So far Working Links has helped over 150,000
people. To find out more, visit the 'Growing each day section'
of our website or call 0800 917 9262.