A career as a jockey can be thrilling but it's a demanding path that requires dedication, resilience, and an unwavering passion for horses. From mucking out stables to competing in races, the journey is as rewarding as it is challenging. Here’s a look at the different stages of becoming a jockey, from your first job to turning professional, along with insights into both flat racing and jumps (National Hunt) racing.
Stage 1: First Job at the Stables
Most jockeys begin their careers by working in a racing yard, where the primary responsibilities involve caring for horses. This stage typically includes:
- Mucking Out and Grooming: Daily tasks like mucking out stables, grooming, feeding, and tacking up horses.
- Learning the Basics: Understanding horse behaviour, equipment, and safety protocols is crucial.
Challenges:
- Early mornings and long hours in all weather conditions.
- Physically demanding work, including heavy lifting and handling unpredictable horses.
- Developing trust and communication skills with the horses and your team.
Stage 2: Riding Out
As you gain experience, your role will evolve to include riding out horses during morning exercise sessions. This involves:
- Building Confidence: Learning to ride various horses, including those that may be young, strong, or temperamental.
- Improving Technique: Developing balance, posture, and the ability to adapt to each horse’s unique style.
- Understanding Pace: Learning how to control and guide a horse at different speeds.
Challenges:
- Managing nerves, especially when riding unfamiliar or high-spirited horses.
- Staying fit and maintaining weight, as well as physical fitness, are essential.
Stage 3: Becoming an Apprentice Jockey
Once you’ve honed your riding skills, you can apply to become an apprentice jockey for flat racing or a conditional jockey for jumps racing. This stage requires:
- Securing a License: Completing a licensing course through an accredited jockey training institution, such as the British Racing School or the Northern Racing College in the UK.
- Gaining Experience: Participating in races under the guidance of a trainer who provides mentorship and support.
- Competing in Amateur Races: Many aspiring jockeys start by riding in point-to-point or amateur races to gain experience and showcase their skills.
Challenges:
- Fierce competition for rides, especially as an apprentice or conditional jockey.
- Balancing race preparation with maintaining weight and fitness.
- Learning to handle race-day pressure and expectations.
Stage 4: Turning Professional
After gaining sufficient experience and wins as an apprentice or conditional jockey, you can make the leap to becoming a fully-fledged professional. This stage involves:
- Building a Reputation: Establishing yourself in the racing community by consistently delivering strong performances.
- Forming Connections: Building relationships with trainers, owners, and other industry professionals to secure rides.
- Specialising: Deciding whether to focus on flat racing or jumps racing.
Challenges:
- Navigating injuries, which are a common risk in both flat and jumps racing.
- Managing the mental demands of the sport, including dealing with setbacks and maintaining focus.
- Competing at the highest level, where every race requires peak performance.
Flat Racing vs. Jumps Racing: What to Consider
Flat Racing:
- Races are shorter.
- Riders need to maintain lower weights, which requires strict dieting and fitness.
- The risk of falls is generally lower, but the competition is intense.
Jumps Racing (National Hunt):
- Races involve obstacles, such as hurdles and fences, and are longer.
- Physical demands are higher due to the nature of jumping and longer distances.
- Falls and injuries are more common, making resilience and recovery skills essential.
Becoming a professional jockey is not just a career; it’s a lifestyle. It requires relentless dedication, a strong work ethic, and a genuine love for horses and racing.
