How Much Do Jockeys Weigh?

Marcus Bazzano
By Marcus Bazzano
How Much Do Jockeys Weigh?

What Is A Jockey?

A jockey is a professional athlete who rides horses in horse racing and is responsible for guiding and controlling the horse to win races.

How Much Does A Jockey Weigh?

A jockey's weight typically ranges from 45 to 55 kilograms (99 to 121 pounds), with most jockeys aiming to maintain a weight of around 50 kilograms (110 pounds) to remain competitive.

What Is The Average Weight Of A Horse Jockey? 

The average weight of a horse jockey typically ranges between 108 to 118 pounds (49 to 54 kg). This lightweight allows jockeys to ride swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that the horse's performance isn't hindered by excessive weight.

Is There A Weight Limit For Jockeys?

Yes, there is a weight limit for jockeys, which varies depending on the racing jurisdiction but typically ranges from 45 to 57 kilograms (99 to 125 pounds), with most races having a maximum weight limit of 54 kilograms (120 pounds).

Jockey Jaime Torres rides Seize the Grey into the first turn during the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Photo by Getty Images.

Why Is There A Weight Limit For Jockeys?

The weight limit for jockeys is in place to protect the safety and well-being of both the jockey and the horse, as excessive weight can put additional strain on the horse's joints and muscles, increasing the risk of injury to both the horse and rider.

How Much Does A Jockey Have To Weigh?

A jockey must weigh a minimum of 45 kilograms (99 pounds) to be eligible to compete in most professional horse races, although this minimum weight limit may vary depending on the specific racing jurisdiction or type of race.

What Are The Jockey Weight Requirements?

The jockey weight requirements vary depending on the type of horse racing and horse size, but the common weight limits for professional racing are:

  • Flat racing: 108 to 118 pounds (49 to 53.5 kg)
  • Jump racing: 108 to 118 pounds (49 to 53.5 kg)

How Much Do Female Jockeys Weigh?

Female jockeys typically weigh about 107 pounds (48.5 kg) on average. The weight range for female jockeys can vary depending on the specific racing jurisdiction or type of race but generally falls between 100-115 pounds (45-52 kg).

Female jockeys with gifts from the Warrnambool Racing Club to celebrate International Women's Day after the running of the Dwyer Legal Class 1 Handicap at Warrnambool Racecourse. Photo by Getty Images.

What Is The Maximum Jockey Weight?

The maximum jockey weight varies depending on the type of horse racing and the racing jurisdiction, but the common maximum weight limits for professional racing are:

  • 118 pounds (54 kg) for male jockeys in flat racing
  • 116 pounds (53 kg) for female jockeys in flat racing
  • 118 pounds (54 kg) for male jockeys in jump racing
  • 116 pounds (53 kg) for female jockeys in jump racing

How Much Can A Jockey Weigh?

A jockey's weight can vary depending on the specific racing jurisdiction or type of race, but generally, male jockeys weigh between 110-115 pounds on average, with a maximum of 126 pounds including gear in some races. 

Female jockeys typically weigh around 107 pounds on average, with a maximum of 121 pounds including gear in some races. The maximum weight for most races is 118 pounds including gear.

How Much Do Kentucky Derby Jockeys Weigh?

Kentucky Derby jockeys typically weigh 126 pounds (57 kg) for male jockeys and 121 pounds (55 kg) for female jockeys, who are allowed to carry 5 pounds (2.3 kg) less than their male counterparts. 

Mystik Dan's jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. celebrates after winning the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Photo by Getty Images.

How Much Do Derby Jockeys Weigh?

Below you can find the weights of Derby jockeys:

  • Male Derby jockeys: 126 pounds, including equipment and gear
  • Female Derby jockeys: 121 pounds, including equipment and gear
  • Average weight of a male jockey: 113 pounds
  • Average weight of a female jockey: 107 pounds

How Much Do Jockeys Weigh For The Preakness Race?

Jockeys who are participating in the Preakness Stakes typically have a maximum weight limit of 126 pounds (57 kg), which includes their equipment and gear. The weight range for jockeys in flat races typically falls between 108 to 118 pounds (49 to 54 kg).

How Much Do Jockeys Weigh In Stone?

Jockeys typically weigh between 7.9 and 8.3 stone (110-115 pounds) on average, with a maximum of 9 stone (126 pounds) including gear in some races. Female jockeys typically weigh around 7.6 stone (107 pounds) on average, with a maximum of 8.6 stone (121 pounds) including gear in some races.

Marcus Bazzano
By Marcus Bazzano

Marcus is a young but experienced sports journalist and content creator, having been in the industry 5+ years. He has written racing specific content for leading racing sites such as RacingBase, Odds and now Fan Odds. Marcus learnt his love for racing from his father, who has owned multiple horses in Marcus' lifetime.