How do horse races account for the varying weight of jockeys?

Jockeys try to stay as light as possible, so that they can ride as many races as possible. They don't get paid if they don't ride. read more

Jockeys are expected to stay under 100 lbs throughout their racing careers, thusly, this allows for the weight of the rider and the saddle for a minimum weight overall, that all racing horses are required to carry in any given race. read more

A good reaction time like a race car driver, ability to “read a race” as it unfolds in front of you and instinctively making the right decision to go inside or outside of a tiring horse, judgement of pace etc. Different jockeys have different strengths like some display patience while some display more aggression and both could be desirable or counterproductive depending on the situation. read more

Most horse jockeys are earning decent salaries, even if they aren’t winning Triple Crown races. Although not all jockeys are making six figures, most see $100,000 to $200,000 per year. Jockeys that have their horses finish in the top five in the Derby earn 10 percent of those winnings. read more