Apprentice Jockey

A jockey who has not yet fully qualified by riding a set number of winners or reaching a certain age. Apprentices, often after a period of initial training, usually work for a trainer from whom they receive instruction, advice and support. They are also frequently referred to as 'claimers', as horses ridden by apprentice jockeys in a race receive a weight allowance, also sometimes known as a claim, with the weight reduction dependent on the experience of the jockey. The claim is listed in the racecard in brackets after the jockey’s name.