Can Jockeys Win a Race?

The question on the role of jockeys in leading a horse to win in the race track has been asked many times before. Answers have generally come from both ends of the spectrum. Some are of the opinion that jockeys are mainly there to "drive" the horse while others say that they are instrumental to enabling a horse to take home the trophy.

Based on what we know of the characteristics of winning jockeys, the answer to this question is this: Yes, jockeys can win a race. But they need a good horse to do it. To understand this further, let's look at the role of jockeys.

Jockeys do not merely ride a horse, they direct it. To do this successfully, they study the temperament and style of the horse. If the horse he is riding on is a "stalker" the jockey must lead the horse and know the right time to push it ahead of the competition. If he's riding a "closer" the jockey needs to have the ability to steer the horse in between other horses without risking an injury. Jockeys who ride "speed" horses, meanwhile, will have to direct their equines so that it leads out front the whole time.

Aside from studying the temperament of the horse, good jockeys also study the competition and determine the number and kinds of horses that will be fielded in a particular race. For example, if there will be two "speed" horses in a particular competition and he will be riding a horse that's a "closer" then he will have to plan and strategize accordingly. Strategizing for the jockey also involves getting to know the race track, the favorable spots in the track (whether inside or outside) to take and whether a track has a reputation for favoring speed horses or come-from-behind victories.

However, an excellent rider cannot do much with a horse that just isn't wired to win. No matter how much a jockey directs a horse, if the horse just does not want to go where the jockey takes him, then no amount of prodding will do. Great jockeys have an innate talent for "talking" with their mounts, but they can't do much if the horse stubbornly refuses to listen.

So the next time you bet, read up on the number of wins a particular jockey has. But don't get too caught up in the rider that you forget the "wheels" that takes the jockey to the finish line. Your bet hinges on the horse as well.

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