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Exercise Rider/Track Rider
Jockey Manager/Agent

Jockeys ride racehorses at race meetings, in trials and for exercise.

They usually act as independent professionals, contracting their work to horse owners and trainers. In addition to competing in races, jockeys also provide horses with regular exercise. They must consult with trainers and observe previous horse races to determine the best tactics to use in a race. They must pay consideration to the track to be ridden on, and the strengths and temperament of race horses. They are also required to advise race stewards and trainers of incidents during a race that may have affected a horse's performance, and may have to provide evidence to stewards in cases where it is suspected that rules have been breached. Future Growth Strong

ANZSCO description: 452413: Rides horses in competitive races, race trials, and in exercise. This occupation requires high levels of physical fitness, sporting ability and personal commitment as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications or experience. Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations: Apprentice Jockey, Steeplechase Jockey

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A jockey needs:

to be physically fit and athletic, with a good sense of balance
to adhere to age and weight limits
light build and to adhere to strict diet and training regimes
good communication skills
steady nerves
to enjoy working with horses
to be competitive
to be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Duties and Tasks

Jockeys may perform the following tasks: Jockeys at work

receive instructions from trainers and owners before races
ride horses during exercises, race trials and races
judge the abilities of each horse and the best tactics to use to win each race
discuss performance of horses with trainers after races or exercise gallops
report anything that may have affected the horse's performance in a race to stewards and other racing authorities
answer stewards' enquiries regarding the performance of their horse
study videotapes of races to improve their own performance and to determine the best way to ride certain horses, after discussion with the trainer
maintain their own riding equipment, including saddles and boots.

Working conditions

Jockeys compete at race tracks all over Australia and the world. A jockey's time is usually split between early morning trackwork and riding at race meetings. Apprentice jockeys often live at the stables and may initially be required to perform the same work as stablehands. Jockeys must pay careful attention to diet and exercise, as they have to keep their weight down. They must follow a strict diet and personal training program in order to keep their weight at specific levels.

They often start work with early morning training sessions and may be required to train and/or compete on weekends and public holidays.

Tools and technologies

When riding horses jockeys use various associated equipment or tack, such as saddles, stirrups and bridles. They are also required to wear a helmet, boots and a protective vest. When racing they may also use a small whip, however, there are strict guidelines governing the use of whips in horse racing in Australia, which jockeys must adhere to in order to avoid causing injury to the horse, or other jockeys.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a jockey you usually need to complete a traineeship. The jockey traineeship takes 48 months to complete.

Jockeys must be at least 15 years old, meet strict weight requirements and pass a medical examination. Once you have completed your traineeship you will need to apply for a Jockey license.

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. You generally start your school based apprenticeship by attending school three days a week, spending one day at a registered training organisation and one day at work. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you get a full-time apprenticeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school leaving age.

If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Did You Know?

Banjo Paterson, Australian writer, wrote several poems about Jockeys.....

Few wrote with such passion for the sport of racing as 'Banjo' Paterson. From an early career as a jumps jockey, Paterson became perhaps Australia's greatest writer on racing and its characters.

One of his earliest efforts was the poem A Dream Of The Melbourne Cup (1886) whilst other poems included Only A Jockey (1887) Tommy Corrigan (1894) and In The Stable (1902).

Paterson's prose included The Shearer's Colt, a novel about racing published in 1936 while perhaps his most famous work The Man From Snowy River (1890) was later made into a highly successful motion picture.

Paterson also served as a correspondent (on horseback) during the Boer War and later became Editor of The Sportsman.

The Oxford Companion To Australian Literature perhaps best summed up Paterson when it called him "the supreme balladist of the horse". (Source: Racing Victoria)

''Of all the human wonders of the world perhaps the jockey is the greatest,'' he [Banjo Paterson] opined in the unpublished The Racehorse (1914). '

'An active child can learn the art of riding in a week and yet we find a great jockey can earn the salary of a Lord Chief Justice.''
(Source: SMH)

The Riders in the Stand by Banjo Paterson [1904]

There’s some that ride the Robbo style, and bump at every stride;
While others sit a long way back, to get a longer ride.
There’s some that ride like sailors do, with legs, arms, and teeth;
And some ride on the horse’s neck, and some ride underneath.

But all the finest horsemen out – the men that beat the band –
You’ll find amongst the crowd that ride their races in the stand,
They’ll say, ‘He had the race in hand, and lost it in the straight’.
They’ll show how Godby came too soon, and Barden came too late.

They’ll say Chevalley lost his nerve, and Regan lost his head;
They’ll tell how one was ‘livened up’ and something else was dead.
In fact, the race was never run on sea, or sky, or land,
But what you’d get it better done by riders in the stand.

The rule holds good in everything in life’s uncertain fight;
You’ll find the winner can’t go wrong, the loser can’t go right.
You ride the slashing race, and lose – by one and all you’re banned!
Ride like a bag of flour, and win – they’ll cheer you in the stand.
(Source: Australian Jockeys Association)

Track riders exercise racehorses on behalf of horse trainers so that they may be fit for racing. A trackrider is a person who is independently engaged or employed to exercise thoroughbred horses on the Future Growth Very Strong instruction of a trainer. The duties require judgement and the ability to communicate information concerning horse health, performance and temperament accurately to the trainer as well as high level riding skills and the ability to interpret and relay information covering a variety of circumstances.

This is a position which benefits from a knowledge of horses and the racing industry, a strong teamwork ethic and a love of the outdoors. Exercise riders work closely with the each horse’s trainer to keep the animal at peak performance level.

Exercise Track Rider
(Source: Griffiths Racing)

Exercise riders must be skilled at controlling horses of varying ages and racing experience levels. Riders must be in top physical shape and they must maintain appropriate riding weights—generally under 65K. They must effectively communicate with trainers in order to understand and accomplish desired goals.

Responsible for morning workouts, introducing racehorses to the starting gate process & providing feedback to the trainer regarding the condition of the animal.

It is crucial for riders to develop a sense of the horse's running rate in order to meet the trainer's expectations for the distance a horse must cover in a given time. Riders must also detect and report a horse's injuries or lameness exhibited before or during workouts. Finally, riders must be comfortable with the risks associated with the job and fastidiously keep their safety equipment in good repair.

ANZSCO ID: 361116

Alternative names: Racehorse Exercise Rider; Racehorse Track Rider

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Enjoy working with horses
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Light build - you need to weigh less than 65kg and have a fairly small frame.
Good communication skills
Enjoy outdoor work

Track Rider
(Source: RSN)

Duties and Tasks

Track riders:

follow an exercise training program laid out by the horse trainer
morning workouts - walk, gallop and trot horses regularly, according to the training program
reporting progress or issues to the trainer
Introducing and training with the starting gate
cleaning & conditioning of tack after use
often assist with daily stable duties (depending upon the size of the stable)
monitor horses' health and temperament and report signs of injury and illness
perform stable duties such as washing, feeding and saddling horses

Working conditions

Exercise riders can work at racetracks, training centers, and breaking-and-training farms.

Track riders often work early mornings in order to avoid the heat of the day. They may also work weekend and afternoon shifts. Many work in part-time positions for multiple employers. While many exercise riders go on to become jockeys, former jockeys who can no longer make race weight conversely transition to exercise rider careers.

Some individuals couple exercise riding careers with other equine-related roles, such as a horse grooming or stable management.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a track rider you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a track rider through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Employment Opportunities for a Track Rider

Track riders are employed by horse trainers and may find work at racetracks around Australia. There are also opportunities for freelance work as many track riders work for more than one employer.

Often in racing there is a shortage of track riders. For many track riders this is a part time job, which is completed early in the day. It can be combined with being a stablehand/strapper, a student or working in another sector. You could ride up to 10 horses per morning (depending on the track and the work pattern of the horses). Horses are usually worked 6 mornings per week.

Additional Information

You must be licensed in order to work as a track rider. To qualify for a licence, you must undergo a medical assessment. You may also be required to fulfill training requirements and obtain a National Police Certificate.

It's my job: The Exercise Rider (ep1)
https://youtu.be/QRHbd7ZN2w8

A jockey agent lines up mounts for the jockey that they represent. Their job involves talking to trainers to book mounts, evaluating races to determine the most viable prospects, keeping a log of riding Future Growth Very Strong engagements, and performing administrative tasks such as making travel arrangements. Jockey agents must be licensed in the states where their jockeys compete. They receive about 25 percent of the jockey’s earnings as compensation, so agents representing top riders will earn top dollar.

A jockey agent interacts with racehorse trainers to secure riding engagements
for the jockey that they represent. Jockey agents are primarily concerned with booking mounts for the riders that they represent, as well as negotiating the rider’s fees and expenses. Securing mounts involves maintaining relationships with racehorse trainers, evaluating races to determine the rider’s best available opportunities, and scheduling the rider so that they will be in a position to compete in as many races as possible.

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Jockey Manager, Jockey Agent,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Agents or Managers are the go-between between trainers or owners and jockeys to make sure they get the best rides possible and maintain good relations with those in the industry.

In addition to booking jockey rides, managers also identify up-and-coming horses that could be potential stars for their clients, arrange travel plans, and where to prioritise riding engagements.

Jockey managers can also play the part of media contact, organising interviews and sponsor appearances for their jockeys.

Duties and Tasks

The jockey agent works with the rider to identify racing circuits where they will have the most success, which will translate to higher earnings for all parties involved.

Jockey agents are also responsible for a variety of additional administrative tasks such as scheduling interviews and appearances, keeping track of expenses and income, making travel and hotel arrangements, and managing most aspects of the jockey’s business affairs.

Agents must also keep a complete log of all riding engagements that are booked for each rider, and these records must be made available to the racing stewards upon request. If an agent ceases to represent a jockey, written notification must be provided to the stewards, and the engagement log must be turned over so that outstanding contracts can be honoured.

Agents may specialize in working with riders in the Thoroughbred industry, Quarter Horse industry, or with other racing breeds. The majority of jockey agent opportunities tend to be with Thoroughbred racing.

Jockey agents may also be involved with other equine-related pursuits as a means of supplementing their income. One common option is to work as a bloodstock agent, brokering deals to sell horses or stallion seasons. Bloodstock agents are also usually compensated on a commission basis.

Riding fees
(Source: Thoroughbred Racing Commentary)

Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
Conduct interviews to evaluate potential clients.
Negotiate with owners and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.

Education and training/entrance requirements

While there is no minimum educational requirement for becoming a jockey agent, most agents have gained significant experience in the horse racing industry, have excellent contacts with trainers and have a good understanding of race form.

Additional Information

All licensed Rider Agents will have their contact details published in Inside Racing with the names of the Jockeys in which they represent. If any changes to the representation of a Jockey occur please notify Racing Australia via email licensing@racingaustralia.horse

If representing a new rider, please submit a written agreement that is signed and dated by all parties involved in order for the changes to be reflected in Inside Racing.

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