Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part IV - Horse Racing Commission
Chapter 163 - RULES OF RACING
JOCKEYS AND APPRENTICES
Section 163.189 - Apprentice jockeys

Universal Citation: 58 PA Code ยง 163.189

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(a) A person 16 years of age or older who has never been licensed as a jockey in any country or if under age, with the written consent of that person's parents or guardian, may apply to become an apprentice jockey. An application for a license as apprentice jockey shall be accompanied by an original, a notarized or photostatic copy of the agreement with the contract employer and written proof of at least 1 year service with a racing stable, a birth certificate or satisfactory evidence of the date of birth.

(b) An apprentice jockey is not permitted to ride for another person except his contract employer, without the consent of the employer.

(c) The following requirements shall be accomplished satisfactorily by a person desiring an apprentice jockey certificate and the privilege of riding races at tracks in this Commonwealth:

(1) Employment on the backside of a race track, including exercising horses on the track.

(2) Attending and reviewing video tapes of races in jockeys' quarters, as scheduled by the stewards. The applicant may ask questions of stewards and jockeys. The applicant shall leave the jockeys' quarters, immediately following the showing of video tapes and the question and answer period.

(3) Observing jockeys and horses break from the gate, at the start of races under the supervision of a starter, for at least 15 racing days and at least 5 races per racing day.

(4) Observing horses changing leads at the 1/4, 3/8 and 7/8 poles and observing horses and jockeys approaching the finish line and finishing the race. The observations shall take place during races, for at least 10 racing days with at least 5 races per racing day.

(5) Participating in as many schooling races as possible through the cooperation of the racing secretary and informing two or more members of the board of approval of application for apprentice license as soon as the applicant has been notified of acceptance to ride in the schooling race.

(6) Breezing horses from the gate satisfactorily with a whip at least twice in the presence of two or more members of the board of approval.

(7) Riding with competence two parimutuel races without a whip under a temporary apprentice jockey certificate. The applicant will be observed by the board of approval during the races.

(d) A regular apprentice jockey's license will be issued by the stewards, upon notification of the recommendation of a majority of the members of the board of approval, unless withheld by the Commission.

(e) The board of approval was formed to aid and further the safety of the applicant, other riders and horses in races in this Commonwealth.

The provisions of this §163.189 amended under section 202(a) of the Race Horse Industry Reform Act (4 P. S. § 325.202(a)).

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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