Introduction
Jockeys are often the unsung heroes of the horse racing industry, risking their lives every time they mount a horse and race around a track. But how much do they actually earn? In this article, we’ll go into detail about how much jockeys can make and other factors that can affect their income.
How Much Do Jockeys Earn?
The short answer to this question is that it depends. Jockeys earn a fee for each race, which can range from around $100 for a low-stakes race up to $5,000 for a major race. The amount of the fee is typically negotiated between the jockey and the horse owner, and can depend on the race’s purse, the jockey’s experience, and the horse’s ability.
Jockeys can also earn bonuses, which can include a “win bonus” when the horse they are riding wins a race, or a “place bonus” when the horse they are riding finishes second or third in the race. Some jockeys also receive “mount fees” from the horse owners, which are paid for each race that the jockey rides.
Factors That Affect Jockeys’ Earnings
There are several factors that can affect a jockey’s earnings. These include:
Location
Where a jockey rides can have a big impact on their earnings. Jockeys in major racing hubs like New York and California tend to make more money than jockeys in smaller racing markets.
Experience
The more experienced a jockey is, the more they can expect to earn. For example, a jockey who has a long history of winning races is likely to command higher fees than a jockey who is newer to the sport.
Winning Percentage
A jockey’s winning percentage is also an important factor in determining how much they can earn. Jockeys with higher win percentages tend to be able to command higher fees than those with lower win percentages.
Horse Owners
The horse owner is the one who pays the jockey’s fee, so their financial situation can have an effect on how much the jockey earns. If the owner has a lot of money, they may be willing to pay higher fees for a jockey with more experience or a higher win percentage.
Average Earnings of Professional Jockeys
According to the US Department of Labor, the median annual salary for a professional jockey in the United States is $46,730. However, this figure does not take into account bonuses, mount fees, or other income sources, so the actual earnings of a professional jockey can vary widely.
Career Prospects for Jockeys
The career prospects for jockeys are largely dependent on their ability to perform well and stay healthy. The better a jockey performs, the more likely they are to get better-paying mounts and earn higher bonuses. The same is true for staying healthy—if a jockey is injured, they may not be able to ride for an extended period of time, which can have a negative impact on their earnings.
The Impact of Age on Jockey Earnings
Age is another significant factor in determining a jockey’s earning potential. As jockeys get older, they tend to be less able to compete at a high level, which can lead to decreased earnings. However, some older jockeys can still be quite successful, so age is not always a barrier to earning potential.
How to Become a Professional Jockey
Becoming a professional jockey requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work. Jockeys must be physically fit and have a good knowledge of horsemanship in order to be successful.
Training
The first step to becoming a professional jockey is to get some formal training. Most jockeys start out by taking riding lessons and learning the basics of horsemanship. From there, they can move on to more advanced training and eventually apply for a jockey’s license.
Getting Licensed
In order to become a professional jockey, a person must obtain a jockey’s license from the racing commission in their state. This involves passing a physical and demonstrating that they have a good understanding of the sport.
Finding Mounts
Once a jockey is licensed, they must find horses to ride in races. This can involve networking with horse owners and trainers, as well as attending track days and races in order to find potential mounts.
Conclusion
Jockeys can earn a wide range of incomes, depending on their experience, the location of the race, and the horse they are riding. However, it takes a great deal of dedication and hard work to become a professional jockey, and even then, the income can be highly variable.