At its simplest, a jockey is a professional horse racing athlete who rides thoroughbreds or quarter horses across flat tracks or over obstacles. However, they aren't just passengers; they are tactical navigators who must manage a 1,200-pound animal traveling at speeds of up to 40 mph while maintaining a balance that defies gravity. The Physicality of the Trade

Once held the record for the most professional wins.

A typical day for a jockey starts at dawn with "breezing"—exercising horses to help trainers gauge their fitness—before the actual race card begins in the afternoon. They are paid through a combination of a mounting fee (a flat rate per race) and a percentage of the "purse" (prize money) if they finish in the top positions. Legendary Figures

A dominant force who won nearly 10,000 races.