I am a
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Jockey

Jockeys are licensed to ride racehorses in races for horse trainers and owners.

Average annual salary

Variable

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • switching from amateur to professional racing

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

The first step to a racing apprenticeship is to apply for a residential foundation course. These are designed to see if you have the potential to succeed and for you to see if this is what you really want to do.

The residential training lasts from 14 to 18 weeks and includes how to look after and ride race horses, and health and safety. Training takes place at the National Horseracing College and The British Racing School .

If you do well, you may be offered the opportunity to work in a racing stable and start an intermediate apprenticeship as an equine groom. You would then go on to do a senior equine groom advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You can apply if you're aged 16 or over and work at least 16 hours a week in a licensed racing stable.

There are no qualification requirements. You'll study English and maths if you do not have GCSEs in those subjects.

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start as a stable hand in a training stables and work your way up.

If you're already working in a racing yard, you could talk to your employer about applying for the racing apprenticeship programme.

OtherRoutes

You may be able to move into professional racing if you've got experience as an amateur jockey. You would need to complete training to get a professional racing licence.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • persistence and determination
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • leadership skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of human resources and employment law
  • business management skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • active listening skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • concentration skills
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What you'll do:

Jockeys are licensed to ride racehorses in races for horse trainers and owners.

On a typical day you could:

  • plan racing strategies with the owner and trainer
  • ride one or more horses
  • keep up a fitness regime at home or in the gym
  • travel to and ride at race tracks around the UK or possibly overseas
  • watch race replays and review your performance

Location : You could work at a race track or at a riding stable.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.

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Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

44 - 46 hours variable

Working Pattern is early mornings away from home

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Career Path:

You could work for one or several trainers or owners as a self-employed jockey.

You could go on to work for stables in countries like Dubai, Japan and the USA.

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