What is the minimum jockey weight?

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.

Is there a minimum weight for a jockey?

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.

Is there a weight limit for a jockey?

At Churchill Downs and at similar racetracks around the country, jockeys can't weigh more than 126 pounds with all their equipment on, which usually works out to about 118 pounds of person. Jockeys who ride fillies and apprentice jockeys have to weigh even less than that.

Who is the smallest jockey?

Who Are the Smallest Horse Jockeys? The shortest jockey on record is Kenneth Glover, who 4' (122 cm) tall. In 1953, at just 15 years old, Glover of Harrogate, Yorks competed at his first race.

What is the minimum weight for flat jockeys?

From Saturday 26 March 2022, the minimum weight carried in Flat races will increase from 8st to 8st 2lbs, while from Friday 29 April 2022, the minimum weight carried in Jump races will increase from 10st to 10st 2lbs.

JOCKEY MATTERS: NUTRITION - Making Weight the Right Way

How small are most jockeys?

Most jockeys are shorter and have weight restrictions

So, ultimately the jockeys should not weigh more than 119 pounds, according to Bustle. While there is no height restriction, most jockeys tend to be around 4-foot-10 and 5-foot-6 due to the weight restriction.

How are jockeys small?

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.

How heavy are jockeys in KG?

The weight of a jockey racing on the flat usually ranges from 108 to 118 lb (49 to 54 kg).

What is a jockeys diet?

Training diet for jockeys

Jockeys should try to eat three meals per day with foods from each of the food groups; breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy.

How old are most jockeys?

Q: What is the average age of a horse 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 happens if a jockey is underweight?

If a jockey is lighter than the weight the horse has to carry, the difference will be made up by thin lead weights in a special saddle cloth. Traditionally weighing scales with seats have been used to weigh jockeys, but these have been replaced by digital scales.

Do jockeys need to be fit?

A jockey must not only be physically fit, but they must also have the willpower to avoid the excessive consumption of fatty foods or alcohol and stick to a healthy, balanced diet.

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.

Can a jockey have a beard?

BHA spokesman Joe Rendall says: "It's a common misconception jockeys aren't allowed beards, and seems to be based more on pub quiz folklore rather than anything in the rules. As it stands, any jockey considering growing a beard who might be concerned about a close shave with the stewards needn't worry."

How do jockeys lose weight fast?

How tall is the tallest jockey?

At 6ft 4in (1.93 metres), Jack Andrews is used to towering over his fellow jockeys, who tend to be at least a foot shorter than him.

Are jockeys muscular?

Jockeys work at close to their physiological capacity during a race. The quasi-isometric maintenance of the jockey position requires muscular strength and endurance, specifically from the legs and the core, both to maintain their position and adapt to the movement of the horse.

Why do jockeys have no teeth?

“They're usually in their own cubicle at the end of a line of toilets.” Riders would lose their teeth due to the constant acidic bile, some even to the point of needing dentures.

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.

How much does a jockey get paid?

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.

Why do jockeys carry weights?

Handicapping in action. In a horse handicap race (sometimes called just "handicap"), each horse must carry a specified weight called the impost, assigned by the racing secretary or steward based on factors such as past performances, so as to equalize the chances of the competitors.

Do jockeys have to be strong?

“(Jockeys) need to be strong to be able to control the horse … you need the strength to hold them together,” Turner says. “You need strong legs, particularly when you're pushing them. A strong core is also quite important as then you've got your spine and your pelvis to keep everything in line and in balance.

Is it easy to be a jockey?

To be a jockey you need to be committed, dedicated, highly motivated and a very good rider with good horsemanship skills. You will also need to be light – Flat Jockeys are usually around 8 stone, with Jump Jockeys weighing slightly more at around 9st 7lbs.

How do jockeys get fit?

Exercises ranging from squats, jump-lunges, burpees through to bear crawls, flutter kicks and single-leg deadlifts are all included. There's even a video to help walk (or run!) you through everything you need to know, with one of the world's top young Flat jockeys, Tom Marquand, as your instructor.