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Jockey Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship

Apprentice jockeys are also referred to as "bug boys."

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At age 16, potential jockeys are eligible to begin an apprenticeship. These apprenticeships are the first step toward becoming a "journey man" rider. Here are some interesting facts about this phase of a jockey's career:

An apprentice jockey is also referred to as a "bug boy," because the asterisk that follows his or her name in the race program looks like a bug. When jockeys finish their apprenticeships, it is said that they "lose their bug."

Apprentice jockeys are given an initial 10-pound weight allowance, meaning their horses carry 10 pounds less than the others until the time they win their fifth race, at which point the weight allowance is lowered to a 5-pound allowance from the fifth-race win to a year beyond or 40 races past (whichever comes first). When they win enough races, they lose their bug and receive no additional weight allowance. Exceptions to these rules are only made if an apprentice injures him or herself and is out of action.

After completing an apprenticeship, a jockey becomes a "journey man" rider. Some riders waive their apprenticeship because they can't make weight with the added weight allowance.