Jockeys
Types
There are two different types of racing and therefore two different types of jockeys, Jump (i.e. chase/hurdle) and Flat. Due to the nature of their jobs, their weight (measured in stones and pounds) differs. On the day, the jockey’s weight will include all their equipment except their safety equipment (hat and body protector)
For a jump race the jockey’s weight can be between 10st (63.5kg) and 11st 12lb (76.1kg)
For a Flat race the jockey’s weight can be between 7st 12lb (49.9kg) and 10st (63.5kg)
Non-professional Jockey’s
Further to professional jockeys, there are several other different categories of Jockey’s:
APPRENTICE (aka claimer): A young jockey tied by an annually renewed contract to a licensed trainer while he or she is learning the business of race-riding on the Flat. Because they are inexperienced they receive a weight allowance in most races depending on the number of winners that they have ridden (7lb allowance until they have won 20 races and 5lb allowance for winning 20 and 50 races).
Conditional Jockey: A young Jump jockey (under 26) who receives a weight allowance for inexperience until in most races he has ridden a certain number of winners. The jumping equivalent of an apprentice. (7lb allowance winning up to 20 races, 5lb for between 20 and 40, 3lb for between 40 and 75, and 1lb for between 75 and 95 wins)
Amateur (rider): On race cards, their names are prefixed by Mr, Mrs, Captain, etc, to indicate their amateur status (a non-professional jockey who does not accept a fee for riding). Amateur riders receive allowances in certain races (7lb for the 5 races won, 5 lb for the first 5 to 10 races won, and 3lb for the first 10 to 20 races won).
Any of these can be given an allowance (a weight concession) to compensate the horse for its rider’s inexperience.
Uniform
All jockeys wear silks/ racing colours which are the coloured jacket and hat. The silks are individual to the owner of the horse. Some jockeys have a Valet that looks after these silks and a jockey's equipment.
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