Jockeys are an integral part of the horse racing industry, providing the skill and expertise needed to guide a horse to victory. But how much do jockeys get paid in the UK? In this article, we’ll look at the factors that affect how much a jockey can earn, from factors such as race wins, riding fees and endorsements. We’ll also look at the highest-paid jockeys in the country and explore the potential for future earnings. So, how much do jockeys get paid in the UK?
Factors Affecting Jockey Pay
The amount of money a jockey earns depends on several factors, including:
- Race wins
- Riding fees
- Endorsements and sponsorships
- Prize money
Race Wins
One of the biggest factors that affects a jockey’s pay is the number of race wins they have. Winning races can lead to more rides and higher fees, as well as higher prize money and endorsements. However, the amount of money a jockey can earn from race wins is often limited by the size of the race purse.
Riding Fees
Riding fees are the money that jockeys get for each race they ride in. This fee can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the size and prestige of the race. Jockeys may also get additional fees if they win the race, or if they finish in the top three.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Jockeys may also be able to earn money through endorsements and sponsorships. Many of the top jockeys in the UK have sponsorship deals with major companies, such as clothing brands or betting companies. These deals can be extremely lucrative, and often include additional bonuses for race wins or other achievements.
Prize Money
The prize money for a race is divided among the winning jockey(s) and the horse’s owner. The amount of money a jockey can earn from prize money depends on the size of the race purse, as well as the number of horses in the race and the position of the horse they are riding.
Highest-Paid Jockeys in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world’s highest-paid jockeys. According to the Racing Post, the highest-paid jockey of 2019 was Frankie Dettori, who earned an estimated £7.5 million. The second-highest-paid jockey of 2019 was Ryan Moore, with an estimated £6.3 million. Other top-earning jockeys in the UK include John Gosden, Oisin Murphy, and Tom Queally.
Potential for Future Earnings
The potential for future earnings in the horse racing industry is huge. As the industry continues to grow, the opportunities for jockeys to make a good living will increase. Many of the top jockeys in the UK are already making millions, and the potential for future earnings is greater than ever.
Conclusion
To conclude, the amount of money a jockey can earn in the UK depends on several factors, including race wins, riding fees, endorsements and sponsorships, and prize money. The highest-paid jockey in the UK in 2019 was Frankie Dettori, with an estimated £7.5 million. With the industry continuing to grow, the potential for future earnings is greater than ever. So, how much do jockeys get paid in the UK? It depends on the factors mentioned above, but the potential for a good living is definitely there.