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Jockeys

Beginner's Guide

Photo by America's Best Racing/Penelope P. Miller

Jockeys often are referred to as the best pound-for-pound athletes in the world, and for good reason. Standing little more than 5-feet in height and tipping the scales around 112 pounds, jockeys must control 1,000-pound animals while relying on their instincts and quick reflexes to maneuver through tight quarters and arrive at the finish line first.

Although some aspiring jockeys attend riding schools, most begin by exercising horses in the mornings until they are experienced enough to try race competition.

Beginning jockeys, known as apprentices, receive a weight allowance (usually five to 10 pounds) until they have won a designated number of races. Trainers employ apprentices to enhance their horse’s chance of winning a race by carrying less weight.

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