Authority: IC 4-31-6-2

Affected: IC 4-31

Sec. 1. (a) No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall be licensed by the commission as a jockey or apprentice jockey. However, a jockey or apprentice jockey sixteen (16) years of age or older, who has previously been licensed in another jurisdiction, may be licensed by the commission.

(b) A jockey shall pass a physical examination given within the previous twelve (12) months by a licensed physician affirming fitness to participate as a jockey. The stewards may require that any jockey be reexamined and may refuse to allow any jockey to ride pending completion of such examination.

(c) An applicant shall show competence by prior licensing and the demonstration of a riding ability, which may include participation in up to five (5) races with the prior approval of the stewards, with the consideration of the recommendations from the starter, the head outrider, and the designated representatives of the jockeys and the horsemen at the track. The demonstration of riding ability is defined at a minimum of:

(1) breaking a horse in company from the starting gate;

(2) working a horse in company around the turn and down the stretch;

(3) switching the riding crop from one (1) hand to the other while maintaining control of the horse in a stretch drive; and

(4) causing a horse to switch leads coming out of a turn.

(d) A jockey may be licensed as an owner and/or trainer; however, the jockey may not accept an engagement to ride any horse not owned or trained by the jockey in a race in which a horse that is owned or trained by the jockey is also entered.

(e) A person whose weight exceeds one hundred thirty (130) pounds at the time of application shall not be licensed as a jockey.

(f) A jockey shall fulfill all engagements except by permission of the stewards for good cause.

(Indiana Horse Racing Commission; 71 IAC 5-4.5-1; filed Mar 16, 2026, 11:21 a.m.: 20260415-IR-071250679FRA)