Yes, you do. Amateur jockeys must hold, at least, a Category ‘A’ Amateur Licence issued by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Before applying for such a licence, applicants must successfully complete a two-day assessment course run by the British Racing School in Newmarket or the National Horseracing College in Doncaster. They must then submit an application to the BHA
and, if the application is approved, pay an appropriate fee.
The Category ‘A’ Amateur Licence entitles the holder to ride only in Flat races, steeplechases and hurdle races restricted to amateur jockeys. It is worth noting that, although many such races require membership of the Amateur Jockeys’ Association (AJA), the licence does not include the automatic right to join the AJA.
Once an amateur jockey has gained some experience, and subject to a minimum number of completed rides under the Rules of Racing, or in point-to-point steeplchases, as stipulated by the BHA, he or she may wish to apply for a Category ‘B’ Amateur Licence. Eligible applicants are invited by the BHA to attend a five-day assessment course at one of the aforementioned establishments and, on successful completion, further qualify to ride in all National Hunt Flat races and steeplechases and hurdle races not confined to fully-fledged professional jockeys.
When it comes to turning professional, the BHA Licensing Committee does not typically consider applications from anyone who has not previously held a licence as an amateur, apprentice or conditional jockey. Anyone who has may apply for a Professional Jockey Licence, provided they have ridden 75 winners under National Hunt Rules, or 95 winners on the Flat, and/or are at least 26 years of age.
