Why the average Kentucky Derby jockey is so small in height and weight
Kentucky Derby jockeys don't exactly come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a reason for that.
Why the average Kentucky Derby jockey is so small in height and weight originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Horse racing is unique in that the human involved isn't necessarily the athlete that everyone is watching.
While jockeys are more than just accessories, fans cheer for, or bet on, the horse itself. Jockeys play a key role, however. It's no coincidence that many of the jockeys at the Kentucky Derby each year are familiar faces who return to pursue history.
Some do the job better than others, even if they aren't the center of attention. What you will notice about jockeys is that they don't necessarily come in different shapes and sizes. Jockeys tend to be small in both height and weight, and there is a reason for that.
Here's what you need to know about the size of Kentucky Derby jockeys and a look at past winners. MORE: What to know about Churchill Downs Average Kentucky Derby jockey height and weight Kentucky Derby jockeys are almost exclusively between 4'10" and 5'6", according to Horse Sport , coming out to an average of about 5'2". While there is no height limit or requirement, there is a weight requirement as to what a horse can carry.