CAREERS

Jockey

What is a Jockey?

Riding a winner is one of the best feelings you will ever have

In simple terms, jockeys are people who are licensed to ride horses in races. Size, fitness and skill are all important factors in becoming a jockey, as is a love of horses and a desire to win! There are two types of jockeys – Professional and Amateur:

Professional Jockeys make their living from riding horses in races. They receive a riding fee for every race, as well as a percentage of the prize money. Some Jockeys also manage to secure sponsorship deals, which provides extra income. They get to ride the best horses in a yard and hopefully win some big races!

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.

What does it take?

To be a jockey you need to be committed, dedicated, highly motivated and a very talented rider with good horsemanship skills

The first step to riding as a professional is the Foundation Course (Level 1 Diploma in Racehorse Care) – completing this allows you to work full time at a Racehorse Trainer’s yard as a Racing Groom. Then, if the Trainer thinks you are competent enough to become a Jockey, they will apply for you to attend a Jockey Licence Course.

There’s a pre-assessment test to be passed, and if you’re successful on the two-week course you become either an Apprentice Jockey (riding on the flat) or a Conditional Jockey (riding over jumps).

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. Jockeys are professional athletes so to be one you will need to be extremely fit and healthy.

Benefits

Jockeys are the stars of the horse racing world

As such, some Jockeys manage to secure sponsorship deals to go on top of their riding fee. They also receive a percentage of the prize money, and some top jockeys are paid a retainer by owners to ensure they are always available to ride for them. Away from the finances, nothing beats the buzz of riding a winner after a hard fought race.

Name GAVIN ASHTON

FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

Employer SIR MARK PRESCOTT

How did you get into racing?

I got into racing through someone mentioning to me that I was the right size to be a jockey. I had no idea how to get into racing and I had never sat or touched a horse in my life; so I asked them how to get into it and they explained I had to go to the British Racing School. I did as they said and spent 14 weeks there before going straight to Sir Mark Prescott’s.

What training have you done?

I have put countless hours and hard work into being a jockey. I originally spent 14 weeks at the racing school, and then upon finishing there I undertook other training such as stalls courses and fitness sessions. I also see a jockey coach four times a week for one hour to help me improve and become the best I can be.

Do you have a career ambition?

I think it is every jockey’s dream to become champion jockey but that is very ambitious, so I set myself smaller targets such as numbers of winners and amounts of rides. However the ultimate long-term goal I hope to achieve would be riding every day and travelling around the country enjoying my riding.

Why do you enjoy your job?

There are many reasons why I love my job, one of them being you never stop learning and every day brings something different. However without a doubt for me what I enjoy the most is the satisfaction of crossing the line in front and the feeling you get after winning a race.

Courses

Jockey

CATEGORY A AMATEUR RIDER PERMIT

Two days £265

Experience Level:

Intermediate

As an alternative to riding as a professional jockey, individuals may apply for an Amateur Riders Permit. It can be a great way to kick start your race riding career and was the route chosen by Ryan Moore, Tom O’Brien and Richard Johnston to name a few.

Course Dates

A two day training course
  • 16/02/2021 - 17/02/2021
  • 09/03/2021 - 10/03/2021
  • 13/04/2021 - 14/04/2021
  • 08/06/2021 - 09/06/2021
  • 24/08/2021 - 25/08/2021
  • 28/09/2021 - 29/09/2021
  • 26/10/2021 - 27/10/2021
  • 30/11/2021 - 01/12/2021

Jockey

Apprentice Licence

Two weeks £FREE

Experience Level:

Intermediate

The Apprentice Jockeys Licence allows riders aged between 16 and 26 years old, who are in full time paid employment with a UK based Licensed Racehorse Trainer, to ride in flat races against professional jockeys.

Course Dates

Applicant will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete a two week course
  • 15/03/2021 - 26/03/2021
  • 10/05/2021 - 21/05/2021
  • 02/08/2021 - 13/08/2021
  • 14/03/2022 - 25/03/2022

Jockey

Conditional Licence

Two Weeks £FREE

Experience Level:

Intermediate

The Conditional Jockeys licence allows riders aged between 16 and 26 years old, who are in full time paid employment with a UK based Licensed Racehorse Trainer, to ride in jump races against professional jockeys, but with a weight allowance to compensate for their inexperience.

Course Dates

Applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete a two week residential course

Jockey

BHA Jockey Coaching Programme

Experience Level:

Professional

The provision of a Jockey Coach to all Apprentice and Conditional Jockeys to support and develop young jockeys into professional sports people.

Course Dates

A course at The British Racing School

Jockey

Private: Amateur Rider Development

One Week £595

Experience Level:

Experienced

This course is designed for amateur jockeys who would like to develop and improve their race riding technique.

Course Dates

A one week training course
  • 29/07/2019 - 02/08/2019

Jockey

CATEGORY B AMATEUR RIDER PERMIT

Five Days £FUNDED

Experience Level:

Intermediate

As an alternative to riding as a professional jockey, individuals may apply for an Amateur Riders Permit.

Course Dates

A one day training course
  • 06/12/2021 - 10/12/2021

Jockey

POINT TO POINT PRE-SEASON TRAINING

One Day £30

Experience Level:

Experienced

A full day’s intensive training for riders intending to ride in the upcoming Point to Point season. Gain the edge over your rivals with expert coaching and be assessed for your Rider Qualification Certificate. This day is also suitable for experienced Pony Racing riders.

 

You will need to bring your own horse for the schooling element of this training day.

Course Dates

A one day training course
  • 18/11/2021 - 18/11/2021
  • 15/12/2021 - 15/12/2021

Jockey

OVERSEAS APPRENTICE

Five Days £790

Experience Level:

Intermediate

The British Racing School is the main provider of jockey training in Great Britain. We deliver bespoke training to jockeys who come recommended by their industry authority.

Course Dates

A residential course at The British Racing School