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Jockeys

How to become a Jockey

How to become a Jockey

General

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Professional or Apprentice jockey, you should firstly discuss your options with your employer who will be able to help you decide the most appropriate licence at this stage of your career. Before making formal application, the Licensing Committee strongly advise you to read the application notes carefully and, if you are in any doubt at all about what is likely to be involved, you should also have a preliminary discussion with the Licensing Department at the IHRB, either by correspondence, telephone or personal interview, before committing yourself to any expenditure.

All first-time applicants must be 16 years of age or over, and for a Professional National Hunt licence you will ideally have gained experience as a Qualified Rider (amateur) or as a Professional jockey in another jurisdiction, and will have a reasonable level of experience. Applicants will have to complete a 2-day induction course in RACE. Following successful completion of the course, applicants are interviewed by the Licensing Committee or their designate, and may also have to complete a pre-licensing riding assessment. Applicants must also complete a medical examination and baseline concussion test.

Apprentice Jockeys - Flat

Apprentice jockeys applying for a licence for the first time should not weigh more than 9st (126 lbs). The application is made jointly by both trainer and jockey. The trainer must also be in also be able to ’guarantee rides’ for the Apprentice. Applicants must also be issued with a ‘minimum riding weight’ (MRW) before a licence is issued. There is a 6-week procedure to obtain a MRW and this involves meeting with the IHRB dietician on two occasions. Apprentice applicants must complete a 2-day induction course in RACE. Applicants with previous experience as a licensed rider or Qualified Rider (Amateur) and RACE graduates may be exempted from the riding assessment which is on the afternoon of day one. Applicants will not be exempt from any other aspect of the course.

Following successful completion of the course, both the apprentice and trainer must attend for interview at the IHRB office. Once a licence is issued, apprentices are initially ‘indentured’ to their employer for a period of 3 years and the terms and conditions of employment are defined in a ‘Deed of Apprenticeship’. Applications should be made well in advance of when you hope to ride as the 2-day induction course is only scheduled every two months.

Professional Jockeys – National Hunt

Professional Jockeys applying for a licence for the first time should not weigh less than 9st 7lbs (133lbs). The application must be supported by at least two licensed Trainers who are willing to verify the competence of the applicant and be in a position to ’guarantee rides’. Applicants will have to complete a 2-day induction course in RACE. Applicants with previous experience as a licensed rider or Qualified Rider (Amateur) and RACE graduates may be exempted from the riding assessment which is on the afternoon of day one. Applicants will not be exempt from any other aspect of the course.

Following successful completion of the course, applicants are interviewed by the Licensing Committee or their designate. Applicants must also complete a medical examination and a baseline concussion test. More details are provided on the application forms. Applications should be made well in advance of when you hope to ride as the 2-day induction course is only scheduled every two months.

If you are granted a licence, you may be restricted to your employer and/or from riding in Steeplechases until you gain suitable experience. New jockeys must also ride in three Handicap Steeplechases before being eligible to ride in a Beginners or Novice Steeplechases.

For further information, please download the application form from our website or contact the Licensing Department by email: licensing@ihrb.ie or telephone 045-445605.

 

How to become a Qualified Rider
Jockey Pre-Licensing Assessment Dates
Jockey's Obligations (Main Rules)
Jockey's Obligations (Overseas Riders)
Drug / Alcohol Testing of Riders
How to Appeal
How to change suspension dates
Concussion Assessment / Guidelines / Protocols
Concussion Centres
Link Addiction & Recovery Video
Safety Details - Helmets & Body Protector
Standards for Overseas Riders
Leopardtown


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