How Are Jockeys Chosen For Kentucky Derby?
It is essential that a horse is suitable for the riding style of a jockey. The owners and trainers of a horse are always looking for the greatest jockey to ride it. The distributing of the tracks condition book is the first step in the process of selecting a rider for the team.
- The condition book is a listing of all the races that are planned to take place during a specific time period, which typically encompasses a two-week session.
- In most cases, it is made available around two or three weeks before the race.
- You can view an example of this by clicking here.
- Once he has the condition book in his possession, the jockey agent will get to work.
He is going to read through the book to find races where he can gain mounts for his jockey career. After that, he initiates phone conversations to stables and owners, during which he inquires about open rides; if the parties involved are in agreement, the jockey is scheduled to ride the horse in question.
How much does a jockey for the Kentucky Derby make?
At the Kentucky Derby, the winning jockey receives 10% of the total payout won by their horse. Sonny Leon’s jockey earned a total of $186,000 for his win this year.
What are the requirements for jockeys?
At least 16 years of age is required of jockeys. There is no fixed criterion for height or weight, however the majority of jockeys do not weigh more than 125 pounds, and many weigh even less. They also have height that is either proportionate to their weight (typically around 5 feet tall), or approximately the same height as the average person.
How tall do you have to be to be a jockey in the Kentucky Derby?
It is common knowledge that the typical jockey weighs somewhere in the range of 108 to 118 pounds, and their height ranges anywhere from 4’10 to 5’6 inches, with the average being 5’2 inches.