It’s not uncommon to see incorrect figures banded around by the horse racing odds community surrounding how much jockeys earn, their riding fees, and average jockey salaries.
So here, with the help of the most recent numbers published by the Professional Jockey Association, we’ll dispel many of the myths and rumours surrounding jockey pay.
Given that the PJA is essentially the jockeys’ union and negotiates and sets the standards for paying their member jockeys, you can’t find a better source for learning about jockey salaries.
How Much Do Jockeys Earn?
Jockeys earn a set rate as riding fees, a percentage of the race prize for winning or placing, and potentially a booking fee. For the biggest race on the British jump calendar, the Grand National, a win could secure around £45,200 or more and jockeys can earn huge figures at the Cheltenham Festival.
A big part of why jockey salaries are now so strong is because of the PJA. Their negotiations with trade bodies and racing authorities help the PJA to fulfil its mission to promote, protect, and represent the interests of pro jockeys.
Most jockeys are essentially freelancers, getting paid by many different stables and authorities and riding whenever they want. So, the PJA is an invaluable ally in helping to standardise good pay conditions for jockeys.
Riding Fees and Prize Money
The riding fees and prize money percentages available for jockeys vary from race to race. The exact sum is determined by the Rule of Racing, but after winning, a jockey gets fees and prize money transferred directly into their Weatherbys account.
Generally speaking, the PJA notes, a jockey can expect payments along these lines for the two British racing formats:
- Flat Riding Fee: £173.54
- Flat Win Prize: 7%
- Flat Place Prize: 2.61%
- Jump Riding Fee: £235.90
- Jump Win Prize: 9%
- Jump Place Prize: 3.44%
Jockey Booking Fee
A jockey will receive a booking fee if they don’t manage to actually ride in the race. After jockey declarations for a non-runner, they will receive half of the agreed riding fee for that horse in that race.
Currently, booking fees are noted as being £86.77 for flat racing and £117.95 for jump racing, which is 50% of the noted average riding fees.
Sponsorships
Jockeys can negotiate for additional income with brands looking to sponsor them in upcoming races. Major meets can offer sponsors a lot of exposure, especially if they get on winning jockeys.
As it stands, a jockey can sport sponsored attire and items in the form of:
- Breeches
- Coccyx
- Jockey Clothing
- Neck Roll
- Baseball Caps, Jackets, and Beanies in the Winners’ Enclosure
- Sponsored Vehicles (Jockeys travel some 40,000 miles each year)
Jockey Sponsorships with Bookmakers
Jockeys are not allowed to associate, particularly when it comes to making sponsorship deals, with any betting organisation for race day events and while on the track.
Beyond riding agreements, jockeys have to register their relationships with betting brands.
So, betting organisations can get the views of jockeys, get promoted by them, and jockeys can advertise their goods if they register each partnership with the British Horseracing Authority, per Rule (D)79, and inform the PJA.
