10 Fascinating Facts on Horse Racers' Profession
Horse jockeys may seem like they're having an easy time as they race around the track, whether you're watching them in person or on TV. Just like any other professional athlete, they put in a lot of effort to make it look effortless. So, we unveil the secrets of these riders through our top 10 things you never knew about them.
1. There's No Maximum Height for a Jockey, but Being Small Helps
Jockeys don't have to be short, but it makes their job easier. While anyone can become a jockey as long as they can reach the required weight, being small is generally advantageous. The average height of a jockey ranges from 4ft 10in to 5ft 6in (1.47m-1.67m). Being small and strong is key, as jockeys need to control their horses.
2. The Tallest Jockey Ever Was 7ft 7in (2.31m)
Former NBA player Manute Bol is the tallest jockey on record who competed under the rules, standing at an astonishing 7ft 7in (2.31m). In Australia, the late Stuart Brown was 6ft 3in (1.87m) but still managed to win races. Another tall jockey was Patrick Sankey, a British point-to-point jockey standing at 6ft 7in (2.01m), who won a race carrying 10lbs overweight at 12st 10lbs (79.64kg). Losing weight is a challenge for taller riders, giving them a disadvantage against their smaller counterparts.
3. Jockeys Must Weigh a Certain Amount, But There Are no Height Restrictions
The weight a jockey needs to achieve depends on the race's conditions. There may be set weights or a jockey's weight relates to the horse's rating compared to others. If a jockey weighs in under the requirement, they can be disqualified. The jockey and any saddle, tack, and clothing they use all undergo weight checks. However, riders can weigh in overweight without any issue.
4. Jockey Weights for Flat Racing and Jumps Racing Differ
A Flat jockey's weight needs to be much lower than a jockey who rides over jumps. Flat race jockeys often weigh less than 8st (51kg), with the horse carrying no more than 10st (63.5kg) including riding gear. Whereas, in National Hunt horse racing, the set weight is 10st (63.5kg), rarely rising above 12st (76kg). In hunter chases, amateur jockeys may ride with up to 12st 7lb (79kg). They use heavier saddlecloths with lead sheets in their lining for jumping races. Despite the differences in weight, remaining fit is still essential for jockeys, regardless of the type of racing.
5. Jockeys Keep Less Than 10% of Winnings
Jockeys earn only a fraction of the prize money from a race. The amount they get is usually a percentage of the total earnings dictated by the race's standards. The jockey may receive little over 5% of the total winnings, making it difficult for them to earn a stable living. Since horse racing is still a predominantly male sport, the disparity between genders in winnings is also significant. In France, female jockeys also receive a gender allowance, which works to their advantage. Considering these factors, weight allowances can yield surprising advantages when placed on horse races.
Following hazardous journeys teamed with their mounts in a competition, equestrian athletes known as jockeys are not amply rewarded for guiding them. In high-risk races with obstacles, the rider can expect a share of only 8-9% of the prize money. This is not much different from the lot assigned to trainers, who typically receive 80% of the winnings.
These trainers tend to reward handlers, jockeys, and other stable helpers with a bonus, though it might not always be the case. On the other hand, flat races do not fare much better, with jockeys earning an average of less than 7% of the prize amount. Even if the horse ranks, their share remains depressingly minor at 3.5%. No wonder they strive for a victory!
Other than these financial stressors, there are additional obligations that choke jockeys. Agent's fees and other deductions take a toll on their income. Accumulated costs, therefore, make them less than meet the eye, especially considering the risk of injury that ride entails.
Jockey's Whip Usage Has Strict Guidelines and Consequences
The controversy surrounding the jockey's whip usage has long been present. However, racing authorities are sensitive to the worries expressed by animal charities concerning horse jockeys' whipping methods. These regulations are sharp, and any infraction results in penalties.
In flat races, jockeys are barred from using the air-cushioned, foam-padded, and synthetic material whip more than seven times. Penalties involve fines and/or suspensions for riders exceeding this limit. The bar is raised to eight times for jumps races.
The correct application of the whip is on the horse's hindquarters; they're never to be landed on the flanks. In the event of a stubborn horse, a jockey must think of the animal's well-being, not just its obedience to the rider.
Jockeys Aren't Permitted to Gamble
A particularly stringent rule if you ask me—horse jockeys are forbidden to engage in betting. Authorities frown upon such behavior. Consider Hayley Turner's predicament, who secured a three-month ban for placing bets while maintaining her riding license. Five hundred Australian dollars were staked for horses she rode in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
The consequences of betting for jockeys can be severe. In Australia, any horse jockey found guilty of betting faces a mandatory two-year suspension. The stringency here is understood to deter such activities, given horse jockeys possess valuable insights.
In 2015, NSW stewards punished Adam Hyeronimus with a three-year ban after discovering his involvement in illicit betting. He lost his chance of making money by betting on horses he was meant to ride, putting himself on the line.
This zero-tolerance approach is necessitated since horse jockeys equip themselves with firsthand knowledge.
Mortality and Injury Risks That Plague Jockeys
Horse racing is a perilous sport. While fatalities are mercifully uncommon, severe injuries and mortality can occur. All jockeys are required to don protective headgear, yet hazards still loom. North America has recorded more than a hundred racing-related jockey deaths from 1950.
However, safer trends do exist. California, a hotbed for racing, has witnessed a dramatic decrease in jockey death rates since 1980. Despite heightened safety measures, the potential harm persists. Injuries and deaths cannot be entirely averted.
Human safety isn't the only matter of concern; horses are at peril too. Thin body protectors, worn by jockeys, have gained popularity lately. These protectors shield the spinal region, keeping injuries at bay.
From Lizzie Kelly's groundbreaking Grade 1 ride on Tea For Two at Kempton, to Bryony Frost's triumph at the Cheltenham Festival, Holly Doyle's record-breaking successes in the UK, and Rachael Blackmore becoming the first-ever female winner of the Grand National – these accomplishments are definitely thrilling.
Yet, many of these significant race wins are memorable as they are accomplishments by women.
The number of female jockeys remains small.
When women jockeys have been questioned, they often express feeling discriminated against.
Around them, there are predominantly men in charge - owners, trainers, weighing room colleagues - which leaves them feeling apprehensive about speaking out against harassment or bullying.
When it comes to equal opportunities in horse racing, the sport is lagging behind.
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