How Tall Are Jockeys?

Marcus Bazzano
By Marcus Bazzano
How Tall Are Jockeys?

What Is A Horse Jockey Height?

The height of a horse jockey is approximately 5'2" with a range of 4'10" to 5'6". There is no height limit for jockeys, but their small stature is a result of the low weight requirement, usually between 109-118 pounds, depending on the horse race.

What Is The Average Jockey Height?

The average height of jockeys is approximately 5'2", with male jockeys typically standing at 5'2" and weighing around 113 pounds, while female jockeys usually stand at 5'2" and weigh about 107 pounds. Height and weight limits ensure fairness and prioritize horse health in racing.

How Tall Is A Horse Jockey? 

A horse jockey is typically between 4'10” and 5'6″ tall, with an average height of 5'2″, due to the need to maintain a low height & body weight to compete in horse racing.

How Tall Are Female Jockeys?

Female jockeys typically stand between 4'10” and 5'6″ tall, with an average height of 5'1″. Like their male counterparts, they must maintain a low body weight to compete, ensuring a safe weight-to-height ratio for both horse and rider.

Jockey Sarah Bowen after the racingtv.com Handicap (Female Amateur Jockeys) at Nottingham Racecourse in England. Photo by Getty Images.

How Tall Do You Have To Be To Be A Jockey?

To be a jockey, you typically need to be between 4'10” and 5'6″ tall, with a maximum weight of 126 pounds, although there is no official height limit, as long as the weight requirement is met.

Why Are Horse Jockeys Short?

Horse jockeys are short due to the need to maintain a low body weight, maximizing the horse's speed and efficiency. Height restrictions ensure a safe weight-to-height ratio, prioritizing both horse and rider safety.

Who Is The Tallest Horse Jockey Ever?

The tallest horse jockey ever was Manute Bol, a former NBA player, who stood at 7ft 7in tall. However, the tallest professional jockey is Jack Andrews from England, standing at 6ft 4in tall.

What Is The Jockey Height Limit?

There is no official height limit for jockeys, but their average height is 5'2″ due to the need to maintain a low body weight. Most jockeys fall between 4'10” and 5'6″, with a maximum weight of 126 pounds, ensuring a safe weight-to-height ratio for both horse and rider.

How Tall Are Jockeys In The Kentucky Derby?

Jockeys in the Kentucky Derby typically stand between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, with the tallest jockey to win the race being Johnny Sellers at 5 feet 7.25 inches.

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

How Tall Are The Jockeys In The Belmont?

Jockeys in the Belmont Stakes typically stand between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 7 inches tall, with the average height being around 5 feet 3 inches.

How Do Jockeys Stunt Their Growth?

Jockeys may use harmful methods to stunt their growth, including extreme calorie restriction, early morning exercise, and deliberate weight loss. These practices can lead to malnutrition, fatigue, and long-term health issues. 

Medical professionals strongly advise against these methods, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and well-being over career goals.

Are Jockeys Midgets?

No, jockeys are not midgets. They are ordinary people of small stature, typically between 4'10” and 5'6″, who have a unique career requirement to maintain a low body weight to compete in horse racing.

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.