How to Become a Jockey

Jockey overview

You will ride horses in races and have the potential for an exciting and rewarding career. You will approach trainers and owners to secure rides, follow instructions on the race plan and communicate the horses performance. You will be running your own business.

 

Personal Qualities

You have a small frame and ideally weigh less than 50kg. You enjoy physical activities and outdoors work, and have a strong will to win. You need to be motivated, well presented and have excellent communication skills. You can follow instructions, work well both unsupervised and with others.

 

Qualifications and Experience

You will gain a Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)

Jockeys complete a 4 year indentured apprenticeship with a Racing NSW licensed trainer. You learn both on-the-job at work and off-the-job through a Racing NSW Approved Training Provider. You will learn about riding horses in trackwork, barrier trials and racing. You will also learn a wide range skills and knowledge related to the racing industry.

Visit our Apprentice Jockey page for more information. 

 

Job Opportunities

Racing encourages new entrants or existing track riders to train as apprentices to become professional jockeys.

Apprentice Jockeys are paid a set wage, which increases each year during the apprenticeship. In addition, race rides and barrier trial rides are paid extra, as well as a percentage of any prizemoney earned by horses you ride. Successful jockeys and apprentices may average between 10 and 20 race rides per week. Earnings from race rides and prize money are held in trust by Racing NSW until the apprentice jockey turns 21 years of age, or longer if you choose.

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A typical working week for a race riding apprentice jockey involves riding track work 6 mornings per week, helping in the stables and with general horse care. This work is combined with riding in barrier trials and at several race meetings each week.