🏇 How much does a jockey make in Japan?

• Prize share: When a horse places, the owner pays the jockey "shinjokin", a success fee taken from the prize money. Source
• Riding fee: Jockeys receive a riding fee each time they ride in a race. Source
• Stable contract fee: A jockey with a stable contract may also receive a contract fee from the trainer. Source

In Japan, choose the JRA route for central racing and study for three years at its racing school, or train for two years at the NAR center for local racing. Pass the jockey licence exam, then begin riding in races.

1. Finish junior high and check the age and weight rules.
2. Pass admission to the JRA school or NAR training center.
3. Complete the three-year JRA or two-year local racing course.
4. Pass the jockey licence examination.
5. Get a licence and begin riding in races.

Qualifications and exams

In Japan, JRA applicants must have finished junior high and be under 20 at entry; weight limits apply. NAR applicants must be 20 or younger and meet its physical standards. Both routes require passing a jockey licence exam.

On weekdays, Japanese jockeys go to a training center before dawn and ride horses as trainers direct. On race days, they check their horse, weigh in, race, and then hand the horse back to stable staff.

How much is the prize for winning a G1?

A JRA page gives ¥500 million as the 2023 Arima Kinen first-place prize. The jockey receives a share of the prize, plus a separate riding fee. Source

Do jockeys get a prize share if their horse finishes out of the places?

The riding fee is paid for riding in a race. A share of the prize money is paid when the horse places, so it is not the same as the riding fee. Source

When do jockeys get their riding fee?

JRA says a riding fee is paid when a jockey rides in a race. It is separate from the share of prize money paid when the horse places. Source

Can a stable jockey also get a contract fee?

It may be paid when the jockey has a riding contract with a trainer and belongs to that stable. It is not paid to every jockey. Source

Do jockeys have a fixed salary?

JRA describes jockeys as generally self-employed, rather than salaried employees. Their main income includes riding fees and part of the prize money when their horse places. Source

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