Conditional jockey

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A conditional jockey is an apprentice National Hunt racing jockey in Great Britain or Ireland under the age of 26 who has not won more than seventy-five races under rules or had not won that many races within the last six months. [1]

A conditional jockey is entitled to a reduction, known as an allowance, in the weight carried by his horse, dependent on the type of race, which varies according to the number of races the jockey has won. A jockey who has ridden fewer than twenty winners can claim an allowance of seven pounds, one who has ridden between twenty and forty winners can claim a five pound allowance and one who has ridden less than seventy-five winners can claim a three pound allowance. A conditional jockey with fewer than five winners is allowed a further three pounds when riding for the stable which employs him. Allowances cannot be claimed when riding in races restricted to conditional jockeys and in some other instances, for example the Grand National. [2]

The British conditional jockeys championship runs throughout the National Hunt season and the title is won by the conditional jockey riding the most winners. The 2023–24 championship was won by Patrick Wadge, with 47 winners. [3]

References

  1. "Rider Manual". British Horseracing Authority. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011.
  2. "The Rules of Racing - 141. Weight allowances in steeple chases, hurdle races and national hunt flat races open to professional riders". British Horseracing Authority. Archived from the original on 9 December 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  3. Donald, Jennifer (1 May 2024). "'I almost called it quits': young rider proves why you should never give up on your dreams". Horse and Hound. Retrieved 26 February 2025.