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What is an Amateur Jockey?
An Amateur Jockey is a non-professional rider who competes in licensed Thoroughbred races but does not receive payment for riding. Unlike professional jockeys, amateur jockeys ride for sport, experience, or passion, not as a full-time career.
Some of the key responsibilities of an Amateur Jockey include:
- Riding in races
- Understanding race strategy
- Trackwork riding
- Many amateur jockeys are on a pathway to becoming professional or apprentice jockeys
An Amateur Jockey is a skilled but unpaid Thoroughbred rider, often involved in the sport for experience, enjoyment, or to build a future career. They ride in specially sanctioned races and must still meet safety, licensing, and fitness standards like professionals.
Steps to becoming an Amateur Jockey
- Class E Rider’s Licence Amateur Jockey
- Level 2 Certificate Introduction to Equine Skills
- Assessed as competent to ride a Thoroughbred racehorse in an Amateurs race
- International Licence Jockey
- Complete an induction day at the races
- Previously held a Class B Track Work Rider (fast) licence minimum of two years
- Rules apply if you have ridden raceday professionally previously
- Pass official fitness test
- Pass medical test
- Baseline concussion test
- Willing to participate in Continuing Professional Development