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Jockey Information

How to obtain a Licence

Jockeys

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How To Appeal A Suspension

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Jockey Agent List

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Suspension Dates

Licence Renewals 


All Jockeys must have been granted the licence or permit they wish to renew. 


Renewal reminders and information are usually issued to the licence holder six weeks in advance of the renewal date.


The first step in renewing a licence is to log in to the Licensee Hub. Once logged in Jockeys can complete the renewal form including a medical questionnaire.

  • Jockeys must have a valid Concussion Baseline Neuropsychological Test and they are expected to update the Concussion Baseline Neuropsychological Testing every two years or undergo a retest if the Jockey suffered a concussion in the previous licensing year.

    Concussion testing will take place at one of four regional centres, details of the testing centres can be found here. 

  • Any Jockey who did not ride in a race in their previous licensing year may be subject to a fitness assessment upon review by the Licensing Committee. 

  • All Jockeys must have obtained the minimum number of rides as required under their licence. 
  • A Riding Assessment may be required for any Jockey wishing to renew their licence or permit at the discretion of the Chief Medical Officer and or the Licensing Committee. 

It is important to note that each licence type also carries specific requirements, the details of these requirements are set out below.   

Renewal Requirements for Specific Licences

  • The Licencing Year begins on the 1 December annually. 

    Apprentices must submit a signed Deed of Apprenticeship. 

    Ride Requirements
    All newly licenced Apprentices will be required to obtain a minimum of six rides in their first year. Apprentices are then required to achieve a minimum of three rides per licence year, in order to be eligible to renew the following year.

    CPD Requirements
    10 CPD points must have been obtained throughout the licencing year. 

    Minimum Riding Weight
    The Minimum Riding Weight (MRW) is unique to each individual Apprentice, and they may not ride below that weight on the racecourse. Confirmation must be provided that the MRW has been reviewed in advance of license renewal.

  • The Licensing year for Professional Licence Holders begins on 1 December. 

    CPD Requirements
    Professional Licence holders must obtain a minimum of three rides in the previous licencing year and attain the relevant CPD points for their licence; Claiming Professionals must obtain 10 points and Professionals must achieve five CPD points. 

    Medical Requirements
    When renewing a licence Flat Jockeys aged 40 and over and National Hunt Jockeys aged 35 and over are required to complete a Medical Examination. The form can be downloaded here. 

    Fitness Test
    Fitness tests are required for Flat Jockeys who have had less than 10 rides in the previous 12 months and are aged 50 or more. National Hunt Jockeys aged 45 and over who have had less than 10 rides in the previous 12 months must also complete a fitness test.

  • The licencing year for Qualified Riders begins on 1 September each year. 

    Qualified Riders must obtain a mimiumn of three rides in the previous licensing year. 

    Medical Requirements 
    Category A and B licence holders aged 45 and over seeking to renew their licence must complete a Medical Examination. The Medical Examination must also be completed by Category C licence holders renewing at the age of 35 or over.
    The Medical Examination Form can be downloaded here.  

    Fitness Test 
    A fitness asessment by a Jockey Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coach is required for Qualified Riders aged 50 or more and Category C Licence holders seeking to renew aged 45 or more and with less than 10 rides in the previous 12 months. 

    Riding Assessment 
    All Qualified Riders aged 50 or more must complete a Riding Assessment. 
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Jockey Education

Continual Professional Development is mandatory for all professional jockeys in Ireland and has been implemented alongside the introduction of Jockey Coaching. 

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a joint project between the IHRB and HRI Equuip.  


The Objective of the Project

Our aim of the Jockey Coaching and the CPD project is to provide support and resources to jockeys at all stages of their career, in two key areas:

  • Performance as a jockey, both physically and mentally; and
  • Educational opportunities.  


Jockey Coaching

Each conditional jockey, apprentice and claiming professional will be assigned to a Jockey Coach with whom they must have at least five interactions, fully funded by HRI, throughout the year. 

Jockey coaches are also available privately to all licensed jockeys for additional support.  


Continuous Professional Development

All professional jockeys are required to obtain CPD points, with points awarded per interaction with the CPD project, throughout each 12-month licence period. 

CPD points can be obtained from Jockey coaching, which is available through various platforms such as in person, on the phone, or online. Topics covered may include:

  • Simulator sessions;
  • Race pre-views;
  • Race reviews;
  • First ride support;
  • Course walks;
  • Group sessions;
  • Career advice; and/or
  • Referral to other practitioners.

 

CPD opportunities will be widely available, delivered in an easy to access manner at industry appropriate times and will cover topics relevant to you and may include:

  • Online seminars;
  • One to one session with practitioners;
  • Group sessions with practitioners; and
  • Online courses and modules.


The CPD programme aims to provide jockeys with information on topics of interest to them and jockeys are encouraged to bring ideas forward.

Irish Horseracing Board

    Riding in other jurisdictions


    All Riders are permitted to ride for a maximum of 30 consecutive days on an Irish Licence in another jurisdiction. For those wishing to go for a season for experience, they must seek permission from the IHRB to do so. Please note that it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure compliance with this requirement.  

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Licensee Hub

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