A Bucket of Oats For my Ride, Please Quiz

Answer: Silks

The brightly colored outfits worn by jockeys are known as silks, the name is derived from the fabric that was traditionally used to make them. A jockeys silks consist of tight fitting, white breeches and a brightly colored silk shirt with matching form-fitting cap and knee-high black boots.

The colors worn are dictated by the owner of the horse or the trainer who employs each jockey. Each owner has a registered combination of silk colors that are worn by all their riders.

Answer: Short and slender

Most jockeys are very small men. They are subject to weight limits at each race. Most jockeys are between 4'10" to 5'6" and weigh less than 135 lbs. For example, the weight limit for a fully dressed jockey in the Kentucky Derby is 126 lbs.(57kg).

Answer: Anorexia

Because of the weight limits placed on jockeys it is not uncommon to find eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and occasional malnutrition. Dehydration can also be a dangerous problem. Many people associate such disorders with females and as a rule they do affect women more than men. But in the field of horse-racing it is a different story.

Answer: Dick Francis

Dick Francis wrote over 40 international best-selling suspense novels that were all set in the field of horse racing. From 1953-1957 he was jockey to the Queen Mother, nee Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. In his novels the readers gets a glimpse into the intense preparations as well as the deprivations endured by great jockeys.

Answer: Willie Shoemaker

Willie Shoemaker was an American-born jockey that retired with over 8,000 wins and was considered by many to be one of the top five jockeys ever to ride a horse. His first Kentucky Derby win came in 1955 and his last in 1986, at which time he became the oldest jockey to have ever won the race at that time. Shoemaker was only 4'11" tall and 95 lbs., both of which proved to be an asset in his field. Sadly, after escaping a serious injury while racing horses, Shoemaker was left paralyzed from the neck down after being involved in an automobile accident in 1991.

Answer: Wear an old shirt under their silks

Jockeys can be a superstitious bunch. For many years jockeys would wear an old shirt or jacket that had been worn in a previous winning race. They would wear it under the silks provided by the owner of the horse. The good luck from the previous race was supposed to carry over into any future races in which the shirt was worn.

Answer: Crop

A crop is small riding implement covered (usually) in braided leather. It is often said that if a jockey drops his crop during a race, he will not win. Also, many believe that if you win a race using a certain crop, it should always be used. Most jockeys will tell you that along with the skill and athleticism their job entails, that lady lucks plays an important role also.

Answer: True

Usually around the age of 16, young men who aspire to become a jockey start an apprenticeship. At this time of intensive training, all rules and regulations are learned and apprentices start to buy their own equipment. Jockeys are independent contractors who must own their own saddle, crop, helmet, boots, etc.

When he is hired to ride a horse, the owner provides the silks, the horse, and the pay.

Answer: True

Jockeys have some of the highest rates of serious injury in any sport. In the country of Australia being a jockey is considered to be the second deadliest profession, right behind offshore fishing. Between 2002-2006 five jockeys were killed and over 850 serious injuries were recorded. Jockeys incur some of the highest rates of spinal and head injuries recorded in any sport.

The insurance premiums for jockeys reflect these dangers. Indicative of the dangers of the job an ambulance is on scene at any race and can often be seen following the racers in the background.

Answer: A female jockey was allowed to ride

In 1970 Diane Crump became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Females for many years were only allowed to ride in female only events. Diane Crump was a pioneer in a field dominated by men. While she never won the Kentucky Derby she retired with more than 230 victories in her 15 year racing career.