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How are jockeys assigned?
Jockeys, like Triple Crown winner Victor Espinoza above, are hired on a race-by-race basis. To select a jockey you must first speak with their agent. book his rider on the best horse in each race. Jockey’s main pay comes from winning a race as their compensation is based on a sliding scale.
How much does a Kentucky Derby jockey make?
A winning jockey will take 10% of the horse’s purse at the Kentucky Derby, so $186,000 for this year’s Derby winner, John Velazquez (although this could change depending on the current investigation). That’s a huge payday in a sport where an average year’s earning can be $30,000-$40,000, according to Career Trend.
Does the same jockey ride the same horse?
Of course, no two jockeys are alike – each has his or her own riding style and a particular set of attributes, as you would expect from any elite sportsperson. However, there are differences between jockeys who ride on the Flat and those who ride over Jumps.
Does the jockey have to be on the horse to win?
In terms of rules and technicalities in the world of horse racing, the answer is no. A horse cannot win a race without a jockey. However, there are a variety of disciplines – and factors – that go into contributing to a jockey-less ride that can disrupt the status quo.
Do jockeys have to be a certain weight?
The word “jockey” originated from England and was used to describe the individual who rode horses in racing. They must be light, typically around a weight of 100-120 lb. and physically fit.
What is the weight limit for a jockey?
126 lb
The Kentucky Derby, for example, has a weight limit of 126 lb (57 kg) including the jockey’s equipment. The weight of a jockey usually ranges from 108 to 118 lb (49 to 54 kg). Despite their light weight, they must be able to control a horse that is moving at 40 mph (64 km/h) and weighs 1,190.5 lb (540.0 kg).
How much does a jockey make per race?
Their salary is based on the class level of the race they are competing in, how many races they compete in, and what place they take in the race. A jockey can earn anywhere from just $28 to $184,000 or more per race.
Who are the jockeys for the Kentucky Derby?
Luis Saez, Irad Ortiz Jr., and Joel Rosario (left to right) are three members of an accomplished group of jockeys set to contest the 2021 Kentucky Derby on May 1. (Eclipse Sportswire)
Who was the first woman to ride a horse in the Kentucky Derby?
Someone always has to be first. In 1970, Diane Crump became the first female jockey to compete in the Kentucky Derby after she already was known for being the first woman to ride in a sanctioned race. She rode a horse named Fathom in the Derby, placing in 15th.
What does a jockey do in a horse race?
The jockey usually gets much of the credit – and sometimes the blame – for a horse’s finish on the track. They’re also the ones who decide where to position their horses in a race, when to make their move for the lead and what path to take in doing it.
Who is first to cross finish line in Kentucky Derby?
Whenever a horse crosses the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, the first person you’ll see and hear a reaction from is the person on their back. The jockey usually gets much of the credit – and sometimes the blame – for a horse’s finish on the track.