Becoming a Jockey?

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JamOnToast

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Hi there, i've been thinking about this for a longtime, its always been a dream of mine to work with racehorses, but never had the b*****ks to get on and do anything about it!
I'm 20years old, 5ft7, and slim, i've been looking at the diffrent racing schools in the uk, but just want to know everyones opinions on going for it?
How easy is it to find a job in the industry (i would move to ireland/anywhere in the UK, as I have no ties here)
What is the pay like for a stable jockey?
And also has anybody been through the whole process from jockey school to working at a stables? Please, tell me all about it!

Thankyou!
And happy new year to all!
 
JamOnToast said:
Hi there, i've been thinking about this for a longtime, its always been a dream of mine to work with racehorses, but never had the b*****ks to get on and do anything about it!
I'm 20years old, 5ft7, and slim, i've been looking at the diffrent racing schools in the uk, but just want to know everyones opinions on going for it?
How easy is it to find a job in the industry (i would move to ireland/anywhere in the UK, as I have no ties here)
What is the pay like for a stable jockey?
And also has anybody been through the whole process from jockey school to working at a stables? Please, tell me all about it!

Thankyou!
And happy new year to all!
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Yes, well, a "jockey" is a person who rides in races, so that is not likely, but you should be able to get a job in racing as long as you are a good rider and are a hard worker and reliable. It is essential to be reliable.
No need to move to Ireland, it is full of good riders. Yes you can do it, and there are lots of opportunities. Its a living wage, best to work in a big yard with accomodation.
Don't call them stables, that is for RS ponies. The horses live in a loose box in a racing yard. They are transported in boxes, which may cause confusion.
You need chaps to prevent chafing, good boots, and gloves, a blouson jacket, no white joddies!
The trainer will have skull caps for you but you need your own in the long term. Do not take a whip. You may be able to start as a yard worker, tomorrow, but better to suss things out first.
 
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There are plenty of opportunities in racing, many yards are short staffed it is worth approaching any near your current base to see if they need anyone, pay is basic but there are guides that increase as you get more experience, a top yard will give good bonuses, a percentage of winnings although there may be more chance of moving through the ranks in a smaller setup.

There is plenty of info online about careers, something to get you started.
http://www.careersinracing.com/
 
Have you had much information back from the jockey schools? A friends son did the 9 week course at Newmarket, I think it ended up being a bit longer, being over Christmas. That was 2 years ago and he got a job straight away but found that yard was very isolated and there was very little to do outside of work! He is now at a yard in Surrey and I think he's getting opportunities to point-to-point. He's always been a hard working, conscientious lad, but had to really prove himself as rather taller than most and therefore has to be really careful to balance his weight/health.
 
Go for it! Wish I had, was too old by the time I decided what I wanted to do so ended working on a couple of pointing yards which was great but follow your instincts and go with it good luck
 
Good luck with your ambitions. You could contact either the racing school in Newmarket or Northern Racing school near Doncaster think both have courses. Alternatively you could check if there are any trainers in your area to approach. Many racing medias such as the racing post, H&H normally have ads from trainers wanting staff. Hope things work out & that dream becomes a reality
 
Holly Hocks said:
Do you know the OP personally? With the right determination and skill there is no reason that the OP might not become a jockey.
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There are plenty of reasons, main one being it is very competitive and there are hundreds of good riders who have been riding racehorses and racing ponies from age 12. I have never seen anyone start age 20 who becomes a professional jockey.
 
We are currently short staffed but we need an experienced work rider lol!

You don't become a jockey over night and you either need to be exceptionally talented or graft your backside off in a yard to earn your rides if you do complete the 14week (gone up from 9weeks!) course at either Doncaster or Newmarket and then go forwards for your licence but you need to be employed and recommended by your employer - apprentices/conditionals can not go free lance, they have to be attached to a trainer. You have to complete the long course before you can even consider getting a licence.

Once leaving racing school they guarantee you a job in a yard - it's up to you to keep that job! It's bloody hard work, long hours, riding out what ever the weather, a living wage and very little thanks when horses aren't winning!

I am just back from a short day at our local track racing where we did rather well but even with an easy 8 horse day I am still knackered. It really is not for the feint hearted or weak willed!
 
Bonkers2 said:
There are plenty of reasons, main one being it is very competitive and there are hundreds of good riders who have been riding racehorses and racing ponies from age 12. I have never seen anyone start age 20 who becomes a professional jockey.
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We had one lass who got her flat apprentice licence at 19, though she is 4ft6" if she is an inch and would blow away in the wind! She is a good rider, strong, takes pride in her work and 2 years down the line she has had a grand total of 3 flat rides! And they were on the yard donkeys. It's a ruddy hard job and yes, most jockeys start off pony racing or come from racing backgrounds and ride out for long before they leave school.
 
A friend of mnie works for Sir Michael Stoute. It was her dream from childhood. She hasn't ridden in races (can I say yet) but is a work rider and absolutely loves it. Pay is good too!
 
Speak to British Racing School at Newmarket they will give professional advice but have weight limits but are top experts.
 
As a few people have mentioned, becoming a jockey at 20 with no previous experience may be difficult but that's not to say it would be impossible.

I went to the British Racing School in Newmarket when I was 17 and completed the foundation course which was the best thing I have ever done and I highly recommend it. Things may have changed now but as I understand it, following successful completion of the course, the BRS will place you in a yard where you will work as a groom and continue to be assessed to complete the qualification. This is a hard job that requires a lot of dedication, the pay is basic and the hours are long but it is very rewarding. You will be responsible for all standard yard duties and also exercising the racehorses. You will also eventually be able to take the horses to the races and lead them up. I put my hands up and say as much as I enjoyed it, I couldn't cope with the hours or pay so do be realistic when weighing up if this is what you really want. With that said, I don't regret doing it for a moment!

On completion of your initial qualification, you can go back and do higher NVQ's in racehorse care or apply for the jockey course. This is a very tough course that will require a lot of dedication and hard work, with an army style fitness test to pass. If you aren't from a racing background, this is probably the best way to do it. You're still not guaranteed to be offered rides but if you're already placed in a racing yard and have built up experience and contacts you'll at least have a shot at it. If you gave the BRS a call, they'd be best placed to give you advice and answer any questions.

Good luck! x
 
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