Jockey
Jockeys are licensed to ride racehorses in races for horse trainers and owners.
- Typical hours44 to 46 a week
What you'll do
As a jockey, you could:
- take part in daily training rides with horses
- plan race strategies with the racehorse owner and trainer
- travel to race meetings around the UK and sometimes overseas
- have your weight checked, with saddle and kit, before and after a race
- compete in one or more races at a meeting
- follow a tailored diet and exercise routine to stay in shape
- watch race replays with your team and review performance
Working environment
You could work at a race track or at a riding stable.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- persistence and determination
- physical skills like movement, balance and co-ordination
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- physical fitness and endurance
- leadership skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a jockey
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- switching from amateur to professional racing
Apprenticeship
The first step to a racing apprenticeship is to apply for a residential foundation course - riding pathway. The course is designed to see if you have the potential to succeed and for you to decide if this is what you want to do.
The residential training lasts from 12 to 18 weeks and covers how to look after and ride racehorses, alongside health and safety. Training takes place at the National Horseracing College and The British Racing School .
If you do well, you may be offered the opportunity to work in a racing stable and get a place on an Equine Groom Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship (Racing option). You could then go on to do a Senior Equine Groom Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship (Racing option).
Entry requirements
You can apply if you're aged 16 or over.
There are no qualification requirements. You'll study English and maths on the course if you do not have GCSEs in those subjects.
You must weigh under 11 or 12 stone (70 or 76kg), depending on how well you can ride.
Work
If you're already working in a racing yard, for instance as a stable hand, you could talk to your employer about applying for the foundation course and racing apprenticeship programme.
Other routes
You may be able to move into professional racing if you've got experience as an amateur jockey. You would need to complete training to get a professional racing licence.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 16 years of age
- pass a medical check
- pass a fitness test
All jockeys need to pass a licence course and renew their licence every year.
Amateur riders need to get an Amateur Rider Permit .
You also have to meet strict weight requirements which vary depending on whether you're a flat racing or jump jockey.
Career path and progression
Jockeys are often self-employed, working with several trainers or owners.
If you have an excellent win record and are well established, you could be attached to a racing stables to ride their horses.
With experience, related career options include:
- jockey's agent
- racehorse trainer
- racing coach or instructor
- stable management
- horse breeding
- working in the media
Career tips
If you're a young person, you can get an idea of what it's like to race by attending a taster day at your local pony club. The Pony Racing Authority puts on training and races for riders of all abilities.
Jockey salaries vary and depend on a number of factors, including:
- race fees
- share of race prizemoney
- sponsorship deals
- deductions and expenses
Guides for this industry
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- Job roleRacehorse trainer
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