Derby Understanding Horse Racing Riding atop a Thoroughbred at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour for a mile or more at a time requires tremendous athletic ability and concentration. Merely staying on the horse without falling off is only a small part of what a jockey does. The best jockeys also are skillful strategists, top equine psychologists and superior gamesmen. They are experts at bringing out the best qualities of their mounts, whether their horses are known for flat-out speed right out of the gate, or prefer to make one late dramatic run to the wire.
Top riders are also familiar with the characteristics of every other horse in the race.
They know just what their own horse is up against. In addition to the athletic demands of racing, a jockey must maintain a certain weight for riding, normally between 100 and 115 pounds. Maintaining this race weight is a daily task for most jockeys. Strict dieting and conditioning programs are a constant concern. Handicapping jockeys is easier than handicapping horses.