How much do jockeys pay?

Prize Money

The percentages a jockey receives for a Thoroughbred race range from 5% for a second- or third-place finish to 10% for first place. In less competitive races, the jockey's earnings can be as low as 0.50% for a third-place finish, 1% for placing second and perhaps 6%-10% for first place.

How much do jockeys get paid?

Salary Ranges for Horse Jockeys

The salaries of Horse Jockeys in the US range from $10,049 to $271,427 , with a median salary of $48,880 . The middle 57% of Horse Jockeys makes between $48,882 and $123,036, with the top 86% making $271,427.

Do jockeys keep all their earnings?

A simple rule of thumb is that jockeys get eight percent[2], but that's only true on average. According to the Jockeys' Guild, the winning jockey gets ten percent of the first place prize money, and the second and third place jockeys get five percent of the second and third place prize money.

Do jockeys get paid if they don't win?

The percentages a jockey receives for a Thoroughbred race range from 5% for a second- or third-place finish to 10% for first place. In less competitive races, the jockey's earnings can be as low as 0.50% for a third-place finish, 1% for placing second and perhaps 6%-10% for first place.

Do jockeys make good money?

Their salary is based on the class level of the race they are competing in, how many races they compete in, and what place they take in the race. A jockey can earn anywhere from just $28 to $184,000 or more per race. To become a jockey takes skill, dedication, experience, and patience.

How Much Money Do Jockeys Make?

What is the career span of a jockey?

Much like in golf, the career of a professional jockey can stretch for three decades or, for a select few, even longer. Unlike golfers, however, jockeys must endure the incredible strain (and the life-threatening danger) of sitting on top of thousand-pound animals running in packs as fast as automobiles.

How much does a jockey weigh?

The word "jockey" originated from England and was used to describe the individual who rode horses in racing. They must be light, typically around a weight of 100-120 lb., and physically fit. They are typically self-employed and are paid a small fee from the horse trainer and a percentage of the horse's winnings.

Are amature jockeys paid?

Amateur Jockeys ride for pleasure rather than payment. Once they have obtained their Category A Licence they can ride against other amateurs, while a Category B licence allows them to ride against both Amateur and Professional Jockeys. For more information about our amateur licencing and training course click here.

How do jockeys get hired?

Jockeys Have No Contracts

Jockeys, like Triple Crown winner Victor Espinoza above, are hired on a race-by-race basis. To select a jockey you must first speak with their agent. Yes, every single one of them has an agent! The jockey agent has one very simple, yet often times extremely difficult, job…

How tall can a jockey be?

While there is no height restriction, most jockeys tend to be around 4-foot-10 and 5-foot-6 due to the weight restriction. While it's imperative that jockeys ride horses as they race, there are more benefits to having a buddy on the tracks than just companionship.

Who is the most famous jockey in the world?

Bill Shoemaker, who still holds the record as the jockey with the 3rd most career victories, is the best horse jockey of all time. His jockey career spanned for more than forty years, and during that time, he won awards for highest earnings in a season as well as the most victories in a season.

How much does a jockey make in Hong Kong?

All riding fees are paid by the Club directly into the Jockey's account on a monthly basis. Jockeys receive 10% of all winning prize money and 5% of prize money for placings from 2nd to 5th. Owners contribute HK$2200 per ride of which the rider receives HK$1200.

Why do jockeys sit so high?

Jockeys "don't follow the movement of the horse but stay relatively stationary," says co-author Alan Wilson. By, in effect, floating above his mount, the jockey saves the energy the horse would otherwise expend to shove him back up after each bounce down into the saddle.

What is a female horse rider called?

horsewoman. a woman horseman. jockey. someone employed to ride horses in horse races. postilion, postillion.

Why do jockeys have to be so light?

The reason jockeys are often so light is to protect the health of the horse. Thoroughbreds are very durable, but carrying too much weight can cause the horse unnecessary pain.

Is there an age limit for jockeys?

Other Requirements

Jockeys must be at least 16 years old. There is no set height or weight requirement, but the majority of jockeys do not weigh more than 125 pounds, many even less, with height (usually around 5 feet tall) or proportionate to their weight.

What is the max age to be a jockey?

A person has to be a minimum of 16 years old to apply for a jockey license. The oldest jockey to still compete at the highest levels was 58 years old (Bill Shoemaker). The average age in this profession is currently about 40 years old. What is this?

What do jockeys do after a race?

What does a jockey do after a race? After the race, the winning and placed jockeys will unsaddle in the Winner's Enclosure. This gives punters the chance to see the victorious horses come in to celebrate a successful race.

Do you need a degree to be a jockey?

Formal schooling is not required to become a jockey. However, if you would like to take courses in horse care, nutrition, fitness and technology, you may choose to apply to the North American Racing Academy in Kentucky, which is the only jockey college program in the country.

Are jockeys skilled?

Finally, jockeys need to have excellent tactical skills, as they need to be able to develop a strategy for the race and make adjustments as needed. They need to be able to read the other horses and jockeys, as well as the racecourse to determine the best path to the finish line.

Do jockeys have skills?

You'd need to be able to handle horses and have a good knowledge of horse care and welfare. It's a demanding job physically: fitness, strength and stamina are required. There are also risks of injury, for example from falls and being kicked by a horse.