Jockey

The jockey is the protagonist of the most spectacular race in horse racing, the gallop. The rider on his horse reaches up to 70 km per hour over distances ranging between 1000 and 3000 metres. The horse does not know where the finishing line is. It is the jockey who guides him with determination, who regulates his pace, who gives him the right indications and encouragement to get to the finish line.

To reach this level of understanding, the jockey trains intensely in the morning together with his horse. In this way, he increases his performance and, at the same time, establishes a relationship with him based on alliance, trust and sharing. A racehorse is pure energy to manage and the jockey must get used to containing his enthusiasm, must motivate him, instruct him and convey to him the sense of competition. In collaboration with the coach, he prepares not only the training but also the competition tactics. During the race the jockey wears a racing jacket and a small cap, the "cap" with the colors of the team.

That of a jockey is a real profession for which a license issued by the Ministry is required. To obtain the jockey license you must first attend a six-month training course at the end of which the "student jockey" must follow a period of training alongside a trainer. To obtain the professional jockey licence, the student must win a certain number of races. As a professional, the jockey receives compensation for his performance in the race. Jockeys can work as freelancers, or join individual stables on a contract.

The figure of "amateur" jockeys is also foreseen and regulated. This category includes horsewomen and gentlemen riders, amateurs who compete in races reserved for them without receiving any compensation.

The great Italian tradition in terms of jockeys is recognized and appreciated throughout the world. Many of our best jockeys go abroad to perfect their talent and compete with foreign stables, especially in France or England where the equestrian culture is much more deeply rooted.