The fitness of jockeys has changed dramatically over the years. Here National Hunt jockey Jamie Moore jogs around Wincanton racecourse before a race in 2014.
The fitness of jockeys has changed dramatically over the years. Here National Hunt jockey Jamie Moore jogs around Wincanton racecourse before a race in 2014.
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Stories of champagne in the sauna and beers before races are the stuff of racing legend.
Stories of champagne in the sauna and beers before races are the stuff of racing legend.
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These days, jockeys in the UK are required to pass a fitness test in order to receive their racing license. Here, reigning <a target="_blank" target="_blank">Stobart Champion Apprentice Jockey</a>, Tom Marquand, demonstrates an exercise on a mechanical horse.
These days, jockeys in the UK are required to pass a fitness test in order to receive their racing license. Here, reigning Stobart Champion Apprentice Jockey, Tom Marquand, demonstrates an exercise on a mechanical horse.
The stringent test consists of targeted exercises focusing on muscles integral to racehorse, riding such as this held press up which gauges upper body strength.
The stringent test consists of targeted exercises focusing on muscles integral to racehorse, riding such as this held press up which gauges upper body strength.
An intensive pull band routine is one part of the test. Jockeys who do not perform satisfactorily will not be granted a license.
An intensive pull band routine is one part of the test. Jockeys who do not perform satisfactorily will not be granted a license.
Marquand, pictured here at Newbury earlier this year, says that jockeys who don't focus on fitness will be found out pretty quickly.
Marquand, pictured here at Newbury earlier this year, says that jockeys who don't focus on fitness will be found out pretty quickly.
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The sport is "just getting more and more competitive," Marquand says.
The sport is "just getting more and more competitive," Marquand says.
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Now retired flat jockey, Hayley Turner, agrees with Marquand in this regard. "(Jockeys) need to be strong to be able to control the horse ... you need the strength to hold them together," she says.<br />
Now retired flat jockey, Hayley Turner, agrees with Marquand in this regard. "(Jockeys) need to be strong to be able to control the horse ... you need the strength to hold them together," she says.
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"And when you're running out of breath you need the endurance as well. There's so much to it that people don't realize," Turner adds.
"And when you're running out of breath you need the endurance as well. There's so much to it that people don't realize," Turner adds.
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