Horse racing is a dynamic sport that relies equally on the horse’s athleticism and the jockey’s expertise. While much attention is given to breeding and training the horse, the rigorous preparation of a jockey is equally crucial. This preparation, deeply tied to focus and strategy, can directly impact today’s horse racing odds and the outcomes of even the most competitive events.

Bookmakers carefully study various factors before setting these odds, and the jockey’s track record, fitness level, and ability to adapt to different racing conditions are among the key considerations. A physically fit and mentally prepared jockey can make split-second decisions during a race, which may mean the difference between victory and defeat.

 

A jockey with a reputation for maintaining peak fitness and excelling in specific racing conditions can sway the odds in their favour, especially when paired with a well-conditioned horse. By studying a jockey’s recent performances and commitment to training, bettors can gain insights that may not be immediately apparent from the horse’s form alone.

 

Physical Conditioning: The Foundation of Success

 

Jockeys are among the fittest athletes in the sporting world. Their training regimens typically include a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and balance work. Unlike other athletes, jockeys must maintain a specific weight to qualify for races, often leading to additional challenges in their fitness routines.

 

Cardiovascular fitness is essential for a jockey to endure the intense physical demands of a race. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is commonly used to build stamina, ensuring they can maintain focus and control even during gruelling races. Strength training, on the other hand, focuses on core stability, leg strength, and upper body control. These elements are crucial for maintaining balance and effectively communicating with the horse through subtle movements.

 

Mental Toughness: The X-Factor

 

Physical fitness alone is not enough to guarantee success. Jockeys must also develop exceptional mental resilience to handle the pressures of competition. The ability to make quick decisions, stay calm under pressure, and remain focused throughout the race are skills that separate elite jockeys from the rest.

 

Mental training often involves visualisation techniques, where jockeys mentally rehearse their races to anticipate different scenarios and plan their strategies. Mindfulness and meditation practices are also becoming increasingly popular, helping jockeys manage stress and maintain a clear mind during high-stakes events.

 

Coaching and mentorship play a significant role in developing a jockey’s mental toughness. Many top jockeys work closely with trainers and sports psychologists to refine their strategies and build confidence. By honing their mental skills, jockeys can gain a psychological edge that contributes to their overall performance.

 

The Importance of Nutrition

Weight management is one of the most challenging aspects of a jockey’s life. To meet strict weight limits without compromising their strength and energy levels, jockeys follow meticulously planned diets. These diets are often low in calories but high in nutrients, ensuring they can maintain muscle mass and energy levels despite their demanding schedules.

 

Hydration is another critical factor. Jockeys must strike a delicate balance between staying hydrated and avoiding excess water weight. Many employ techniques such as saunas or sweat suits to shed water weight before a race, but these methods are carefully monitored to avoid compromising their health.

 

In Summary

 

Jockey training regimens are a complex blend of physical conditioning, mental preparation, and strategic planning. These elements not only contribute to the jockey’s individual success but also have a direct impact on the performance of the horse, ultimately influencing racing odds. For punters and fans alike, understanding the secrets behind a jockey’s preparation can offer valuable insights into the sport and enhance their appreciation for the skill and dedication required to succeed at the highest level.

The jockey who holds the record for the highest number of winners at a single Cheltenham Festival is Rupert ‘Ruby’ Walsh, who rode seven winners over the four days in 2009 and equalled his own record in 2016. Kildare-born Walsh, who retired from the saddle on May 1, 2019 with 2,767 winners to his name, remains the third most profilic National Hunt jockey in British and Irish history, behind only Sir Anthony McCoy and Richard Johnson.

At the Cheltenham Festival, Walsh rode 59 winners in all, making him the most successful jockey of all time at the meeting. Indeed, he was leading jockey at the Festival 11 times in a 14-year period between 2004 and 2017, including five years running between 2013 and 2017. Following his retirement, the leading jockey award at the Cheletnham Festival was renamed the ‘Ruby Walsh Trophy’ in his honour.

In 2009, when he originally set the record, Walsh won on Quevega in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, Master Minded in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Big Buck’s in the Stayers’ Hurdle,

Mikael D’Haguenet in the Baringham Novices’ Hurdle, Cooldine in the Broadway Novices’ Chase,

American Trilogy in the Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle and Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Seven years later, he won the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle and the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle again, on Vroum Vroum Mag and Yorkhill respectively, and five other races, including the Champion Hurdle on Annie Power. All seven winners that year were trained by Willie Mullins.

When we think about horse racing’s greatest or most famous jockeys of all time, we’re far more likely to think of a male jockey than a female jockey—despite the stereotype that girls like horses more than boys do. However, male jockeys have been around since the early days of formal horse racing events, while female jockeys didn’t enter the racing industry until the 1960s. Naturally, this has led to a disparity in the number of male and female jockeys throughout history.

Since women have been allowed to become jockeys, they’ve made some incredible accomplishments and have helped pave the way for future generations of women and girls. Just as we can find lists of legendary male jockeys, the best restaurants in London, or the top 20 online casinos reviewed in the UK, here we’ll recognise the greatest female jockeys horse racing has seen since the 1960s.

1. Julie Krone

Julie Krone, an American-born jockey, set herself apart in horse racing as the first and, in some instances, the only female jockey to reach significant racing milestones. Krone was the first woman to win one of the Triple Crown races, a feat no other female jockey has achieved since. In 2000, she became the first female jockey to be inducted into the US National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Throughout her career, Krone achieved over 3,700 racing wins and earned several awards, including ESPN’s Professional Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and Women’s Sports Foundation’s Wilma Rudolph Courage Award in 2004. Krone was one of the first female jockeys to be recognised as a top-tier rider for her skill.

2. Chantal Sutherland

Chantal Sutherland was born in Canada and began her jockey career when she was 24. Right from her debut race, which she won, she garnered significant attention, as this is a feat rarely accomplished by any jockey. She has continued to achieve major wins since, and her main claims to fame include being the first woman to win the Santa Anita Handicap in 2011 and the Hollywood Gold Cup in 2012. She has also been a reality TV personality on Jockeys on Animal Planet and a model for the Del Mar racetrack, making her a widely recognised female jockey. Her jockey career is ongoing, and since her debut race in 2000, she has had over 1,200 wins.

3. Michelle Payne

Born into a horse racing family in Australia, Michelle Payne has been surrounded by the thrill of the racing world her entire life. It also makes it unsurprising that her jockey career began at the young age of 15. In 2015, she became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup, defying the 100-1 odds placed on her and making history. Payne suffered several serious and life-threatening falls throughout her career, which caused her to spend significant time recovering rather than racing. But she never failed to impress spectators with each return to the tracks. Payne is now retired from being a jockey, though her story and feats garnered much attention, inspiring the 2019 movie Ride Like a Girl.

4. Rosie Napravnik

Rosie Napravnik, born in the United States, has had an impressive racing career with numerous remarkable wins and near wins, making her one of the highest-earning female jockeys to date. She has two major feats that stand out from the rest, including being the first woman jockey to race in all three Triple Crown races and the first to win the Kentucky Oaks. Although she did not win any Triple Crown races, she placed in the top five in two of them, earning fifth place at the Kentucky Derby and third at the Preakness Stakes. Napravnik is now retired from racing and boasts more than 1,800 career wins.

5. Hayley Turner

English jockey Hayley Turner is considered one of the most accomplished female jockeys in Europe for the sheer number of races she’s participated in and for being one of the first to make a full-time career as a jockey in the UK. However, Turner’s career had a rough start. Her horse broke down mid-race and had to be euthanised, but despite this unfortunate debut, she has gone on to win over 1,000 races and has inspired many women and girls to join the industry. In 2018, when she unexpectedly returned to racing after retiring in 2015, she was the first female jockey to ride over 100 flat race winners in a single year.

6. Diane Crump

Significant accomplishments aren’t just reserved for major wins; they also come from being early pioneers of a sport, which is exactly what American female jockey Diane Crump was. Crump was the first female jockey to race in the United States, her debut race requiring a police escort to keep her safe from disgruntled spectators opposed to her presence on the track. Crump’s arrival was met with cries for her ‘to return to the kitchen’ and fears that her presence would lead to the downfall of the sport. She didn’t win this first race, but her drive and skill eventually won over spectators, earning her acceptance into the sport.

In addition to being the first female jockey to race, she was also the first to participate in the Kentucky Derby. Her career may have only included 235 wins, but her trailblazing efforts have led to thousands of wins for her fellow female jockeys—easily making her one of the best female jockeys of all time.

Paving the Way

Since women made their racing debuts in the 1960s, they have achieved impressive feats that stand out in the sport, not just as women but as jockeys in general. These six women have, and continue to, pave the way for future women and girls to join and thrive in a male-dominated sport, helping push for equality in all areas of life.