Jockeys play a critical role in a racehorse’s success. Technically, trainers spend time honing a horse to become a thoroughbred racer. They spend months and years making sure that they can compete in huge horse racing games. However, it is up to the jockeys to command the horse to get the right speed during the race day.
Talking about jockeys, we mostly see male jockeys dominating inside the racetrack. Seldom do we see female jockeys who ride horses in big races. But, do you know that many female jockeys ruled over by men in the past decades. Not only that, but they have been into the most famous horse racing games like the Triple Crown and Grand National?
So, what makes female jockeys special?
Well, here are the main characteristics of a female jockey that are worth celebrating for.
The best female jockeys in the world are known for their versatility. Horse racing does not only happen in dirt tracks but also in turf type, sprint, hurdle, or even jump races. Although the rule is to send the horse to the finish line first, there are many speed variations that horses need to display before they reach victory.
Women are known to have a lower temper and know how to adjust to any situation. Thus, female jockeys are talented enough to know the type of race they will compete in. They are also exceptional in understanding how to control horses, especially in jump races where they should pass obstacles flawlessly along the way.
Fitness and athleticism is another attribute where female jockeys are seen as special. Starting in training, they face many strains and challenges, especially in maintaining the desired weight to handle their horse effectively. Remember that if a jockey is too heavy, it adds a burden to the horse and makes its speed slower.
On the other hand, the fitter and the lighter the jockey is, the easier it is for the horse to adjust to the type of speed the jockey commands. Do know that there are three points in the race track where the horses and jockey need to adjust their speed. In the starting line, middle part, and nearing the finish line.
Although all jockeys are expected to display a high level of alertness and intelligence when competing, female jockeys are wise enough to outsmart men. It is expected that men are strong enough to overpower them inside the field. That’s why women have to find ways to hustle hard and send their horses to victory.
Before the racing game begins, jockeys do not ride any type of racehorse on any given day. They spend time knowing the horse and creating a game plan on how they can win. Also, it is not only the bettors who take advantage of the racing form such as the ones found in TVG betting but also jockeys. They review all the achievements of the competing horses and familiarize their speed types and previous records.
Aggressiveness is another ability that makes a female jockey unique. It is important that jockeys need to be keen on their performance and their competitors. When they know when and where their rival slows down their pace inside the field, they take advantage of them to ace the race.
Focusing inside the race track does not mean your eyes are only directed to the line you are running. It also demands the talent to look side by side and notice how your rivals perform. This makes female jockeys a little special because they know when to take advantage of their enemies’ weaknesses compared to the male ones.
The most important trait that female jockeys have, which are not usually dominant on men, is patience and calm. Male jockeys are seen to be short-tempered and hot-headed, especially when the racing game begins. However, women are mostly calm and patient and can execute the game plan they have sketched before the game.
Horse racing demands a lot of pressure, and thundering noises are heard inside the field. With all of these distractions, a jockey should stay calm to have a sound connection with the horses to help them win.
Takeaway
It is unusual to see a female jockey riding a racehorse. Most of them are men because horse racing is coined as sports for men. But, as the years passed by, female jockeys started to join in horse racing tournaments to compete with men and show what they’ve got inside the field. Thus, aside from women being good and equally competitive in horse racing, they display unique traits that make them special.
