Secrets in Silk: The Jockey’s View of Horse Racing

Horse racing is a celebrated sport that predates the industrial revolution. While horses are no longer a prime mode of transportation, the thrilling spectacle of seeing them race still draws a crowd. The men who ride these horses — the jockeys — experience a remarkable working environment like no other job on Earth. It doesn’t hurt that Cheltenham betting, and really, betting in many regions, is so common. After all, fortunes are made…

An Unforgiving Career Path

Jockeys start riding at a very young age, and they shift into professional riding very quickly. Becoming a jockey is a very traditional process, typically involving an apprenticeship that can last for several years and dozens of races. Once a new jockey has proven himself, he enters into a demanding world that it tough to thrive in.

The vast majority of jockeys work as freelance riders. They ride for whatever owner will have them. Although the pay can be excellent for skilled jockeys — and they take home a share of the winnings — jockeys are completely on their own when it comes to promoting themselves and keeping themselves healthy.

As you’re probably already aware, jockeys are usually small men. There are no height restrictions on jockeys, but they face some of the toughest weight limits in sports. A professional jockey is expected to keep himself under 125 pounds — including his equipment.

The Risks Of Racing

Racing a horse is not like taking an afternoon ride in the country. Jockeys spend the entirety of a race stooped over the saddle, balancing all of their weight on their toes and exercising constant control over their mounts. Completing even one race can be exhausting, and many jockeys race four times or more in a single day. The fact that many jockeys intentionally dehydrate themselves (in order to minimize their weight) just makes racing more dangerous.

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Jockeys are at risk for numerous injuries, many of which can be serious enough to end a career. A race fall is generally the most dangerous situation jockeys can find themselves in. Hitting the ground at forty miles an hour, with their own mounts and other horses all around them, often leads to numerous fractures and contusions. Jockeys are also among the class of athletes most likely to suffer from concussions.

Generations of Heritage

Despite the harshness of the modern jockey’s trade, things have gotten better over time. Many jockeys come from families that have been intimately connected with horse racing and breeding for generations, so they’re very familiar with how their lot has improved. As young as they start racing today, jockeys were once sent onto the track as nothing more than children.

Things are generally getting better for the horses, too. The jockey’s whip is finally falling out of favor as evidence continues to mount up demonstrating that it has no appreciable effect on a horse’s speed. Modern jockeys concern themselves more with gaining an advantage through smart strategy. As with other forms of racing, horse racing involves “drafting,” positioning oneself in the best aerodynamic position when surrounded by competitors. Canny jockeys can significantly improve their horse’s performance by carefully managing their position throughout a race.

Today’s jockeys bravely risk a host of different dangers to bring out the very best in both their horses and themselves. They are seldom celebrated by any but the most devoted fans of horse racing, but they continue to push themselves for the sheer love of their sport. It is undeniably a hard life, but it’s one that real jockeys would not give up for anything.

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Emma

Emma covers dating and relationships for Unfinished Man, bringing a witty woman's perspective to her writing. She empowers independent women to pursue fulfillment in life and love. Emma draws on her adventures in modern romance and passion for self-improvement to deliver relatable advice.

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