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What is a Jockey?
A Jockey is a professional athlete who rides Thoroughbred racehorses in competitive races. Jockeys are a critical part of the racing team, responsible not just for riding, but also for strategizing, guiding, and maximizing a horse's performance on race day.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Jockey include:
- Riding in races
- Understanding race strategy
- Trackwork riding
- Fitness & weight management
- Communication
A Thoroughbred horse jockey is a highly skilled rider and athlete who plays a pivotal role in a horse’s racing success. Jockeys combine athleticism, strategy, and horsemanship to guide horses to victory—often under intense physical and competitive pressure.
They’re the face of the performance, but also an integral part of the behind-the-scenes preparation.
Steps to becoming a Jockey
- Class A Rider’s Licence Jockey
- Level 3 Certificate in Equine Racing Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider
- Level 4 Certificate in Equine Racing Thoroughbred Racing Jockey
- Completed Jockey Apprenticeship
- Pass medical test
- Baseline concussion test
- Annual licence review
- Continue to demonstrate suitability to hold licence
- Willing to participate in Continuing Professional Development
- Good communication skills
- Maximum 58.5kgs
James McDonald
World Champion jockey James McDonald returned to New Zealand on a very special Karaka Million night at Ellerslie and won both 2YO and 3YO races.
James McDonald did what McDonald does aboard Marsh Racing trained standout filly Velocious. He put his rivals behind him in the 2YO race and then waited to ask Velocious for her best, where she delivered him his first Karaka Millions win.
Orchestral and James McDonald were in perfect harmony when they flew down the Ellerslie straight to claim the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO for Kingsclere Stables to cap off an amazing night of racing.