“It’s a losing sport”. I always assumed the life of a jockey was very difficult, but I thought it would get lot easier once (if) they made it to the big leagues. But from this article it sounds as though many problems that plague the lesser track riders also plague the bigger track riders. Weight struggles, constant travel, tough competition, and apparently depression and head trauma.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/53556569
That was difficult to read but it was enlightening. I hadn’t considered the emotional impact of losing so much more than you win.
I’ve always been concerned about the weight requirements for jockeys. It is not possible for many to make the weight without endangering their health in the attempt. It’s not right and I think the horses are capable of carrying a little more weight. This article didn’t touch on that subject much, but many jockey’s stories have a common denominator in the self destructive practices used to make weight, the same things as fashion models do to be unnaturally thin.
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There has recently been far greater awareness of mental and physical health issues in British racing. Jockeys have more training in fitness, nutrition, planning for future life without racing etc. There some excellent videos by Racing Welfare. It is still a relentless sport. We lost Liam Tredwell last month.
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