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Mandatory Jockey Licence courses are designed to ensure that applicants have the skills, knowledge, fitness and attributes required to ride under Rules, safely and competitively and be an ambassador for the racing industry.
An Apprentice or 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 flat or jump races against professional jockeys, but with a weight allowance to compensate for their inexperience.
As part of the application, the prospective jockey is required to attend, and satisfactorily complete the Pre-License Assessment. They must also undergo a medical examination and meet the Medical Standards for ‘Fitness to Ride’ and the Assessment of Concussion protocol, before being enrolled on a two week course at either The British Racing School or Northern Racing College.
The purpose of this requirement is to:
Confirm that the applicant has the required level of basic skills to enable them, by the end of the licence course, to be assessed as competent to ride under the Rules of Racing
Confirm that the applicant has attained the required fitness level for attendance on a licence course
Confirm the employer and employee’s commitment to the licensing process and ensure they fully understand their responsibilities in relation to regulatory requirements.
A licence application has to be applied for to the BHA by your Trainer.
You must have successfully passed pre-assessment day, and applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete a two week course. The course will be an assessment on the individual’s level of competence, so before you apply for your Licence you should also have completed your Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom.
You would also be expected to be confident and competent at:
Galloping a racehorse at speed
Riding work on a racehorse
Jumping a racehorse over hurdles and fences
Pre-licence assessment days must be passed 8 weeks prior to the jockey licence course. Pre-licence assessments can only be booked via the BHA. Please email licensing@britishhorseracing.com
Fitness is a huge part of being a successful jockey. On all jockey courses all riders are put through the following assessment to measure overall fitness and also to pinpoint individual strengths and weaknesses. Each element of the assessment is marked to give an overall percentage of fitness. Watch the video below for a better understanding of the fitness level required. The fitness assessment is carried out by Yariv Kam, a personal trainer, if you wish to contact him his website is newregym.co.uk
There is no charge for individuals to take this course.
To find out more information or for an application to obtain an Apprentice Licence with The British Racing School please contact the BHA – British Horse Racing Authority at licensing@britishhorseracing.com or call 0207 1520148.
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