Select your state
Racebooks
Sportsbooks
Stats
Predictor
Tools
Events
Guides AmWager — Get $50Promo Code AMWAGER · New customers 21+ only

21+ and present in eligible US states. New customers only. Offer terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Select your region
USCAUKIEDKSE
Home › Guides › Racing Terms

How important is the jockey in horse racing?

Mike BrunkerMB
Horse Betting Expert · former Las Vegas Review-Journal racing writer
Updated November 2026 · 2 min read   𝕏inRJ
Horse racing journalist and handicapper who covered the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont and Breeders’ Cup for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
HORSE BETTING GUIDE · RACING TERMS
Reviewed by the Horse.bet Team
JockeyHORSE RACING EXPLAINEDIN SHORTJockeys often plan an important role in theoutcome of a race – either contributing to theirmount’s success or dashing its chances.GOOD TO KNOWRead more about betting on jockey odds in horse racing: strategies,tips and more .horse.bet — betting guides
How important is the jockey in horse racing? — explained: Jockeys often plan an important role in the outcome of a race – either contributing to their mount’s success or dashing its chances.

Jockeys often plan an important role in the outcome of a race – either contributing to their mount’s success or dashing its chances. Read more about betting on jockey odds in horse racing: strategies, tips and more .

Knowing the top riders at a given track is important, as these pilots are in high demand and may have opportunities to ride multiple horses in a race. Observant handicappers will upgrade the chances of a horse that a top jockey sticks with in such circumstances.

A rider’s record with a particular trainer also is worth consideration . If a top barn sends out a runner and sees fit to put one of the best riders on the circuit aboard, that’s an indication of high expectations.

It’s also important to know the proclivities and strengths of riders. Some like to “send” their horses to the front right away, while others prefer a more patient approach and will try to get their mount to relax in the early stages in hopes of a strong finish. Some are almost unstoppable on the turf, but rarely win on the dirt.

It pays to study jockeys in the same way you examine horses and trainers. You can also bet on a trainer or a jockey's performance with odds at Amwager , Twinspires and other sites for horse wagering online .

Here is our page dedicated to jockeys' betting profiles .

★ Our top-rated US racebook
AmWager — 100% deposit match up to $50
Promo Code AMWAGER · 21+ · New US customers only. Terms apply. 1-800-GAMBLER.
Visit AmWager →
★ Our top-rated UK bookmaker
bet365 — Bet £10 Get £30 in Bet Credits
Promo Code 365GMBLR · 18+ · New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. #ad · GambleAware.org
Significant terms

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5* or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30* in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. To release your Bet Credits for use, you must place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit (capped at £10*) and they must settle within 30 days of claiming the offer. Only qualifying bets placed and settled after claiming the offer will count towards this requirement. PayPal, paysafecard and all other prepaid credit and debit cards, where available, cannot be used for either your qualifying deposit or any subsequent withdrawal of returns from Bet Credits stakes unless we have successfully verified an accepted form of your Identity Documents and you have entered a Postal Verification Code (PVC), or we have successfully verified two accepted forms of your Identity Documents. See condition 2 of full Terms and Conditions for details. Bets placed must meet certain conditions to count towards the release of your Bet Credits: Must contain at least one selection at odds of 1/5 (1.20) or greater. Only the largest cumulative stake on an individual selection within a market/fixture combination (either pre-match or In-Play) will count towards the settled bets requirement. Cashed Out, Instant Games, Gaming, Free Bets, void bets, In-Play bets which are settled as a push or Fantasy Sports entries will not count. Your Bet Credits are non-withdrawable, and Bet Credits stakes are not included in any returns. Any returns from Bet Credits placed will be added to your Withdrawable Balance. Bet Credits cannot be used on certain products, offers/promotions and bet types. See full Terms and Conditions for details. Your Bet Credits will expire 7 days after they are added to your Bet Credits balance.

Visit bet365 →


★ Free tools

Free Betting Tools

Bet responsibly. Only bet where it is legal and you are of legal age. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.18+. Need help? GamCare 0808 8020 133 · GambleAware.org.Need help? Contact your local gambling support service.