SECTION 311.105. Jockeys

(a) License.

(1) To be licensed as a jockey or apprentice jockey, an individual must be at least 16 years of age, weigh no more than 130 pounds at the time of licensure, and provide proof of a satisfactory physical examination as described in subsection (b) of this section.

(2) An individual licensed as a jockey or apprentice jockey may not be licensed in another capacity.

(3) To be licensed as a jockey or apprentice jockey, an individual must have a certificate of proficiency issued by a starter licensed in this state or be currently licensed in another state as a jockey or apprentice jockey.

(b) Physical Examination.

(1) To be eligible to ride in a race, a jockey or apprentice jockey must have on file with the Commission proof of a satisfactory physical examination conducted during the 12-month period preceding the date of the race.

(2) An examination required by this section must be performed by a licensed physician and include tests for visual acuity and hearing.

(3) The Commission or the stewards may require a jockey or apprentice jockey to be reexamined at any time and may refuse to permit a jockey or apprentice jockey to ride until proof of a satisfactory examination is submitted.

(c) Apprentice Jockeys.

(1) An apprentice jockey is a rider of thoroughbreds who:

(A) is permitted to ride with the apprentice weight allowance in accordance with Chapter 313 of this title (relating to Officials and Rules of Horse Racing); and

(B) is otherwise qualified to be licensed as a jockey.

(2) The Rules relating to a jockey apply to apprentice jockeys.

(d) Jockey Conduct.

(1) A jockey may not ride under an assumed name.

(2) A jockey may not use an attendant on a race day other than one supplied by the association.

(3) A jockey may not smoke in public while wearing racing colors.

Source Note: The provisions of this §311.105 adopted to be effective October 21, 1999, 24 TexReg 8973; amended to be effective March 20, 2008, 33 TexReg 2307; amended to be effective May 3, 2017, 42 TexReg 2338