Jockey Agents

[Buddha]

I know the basic aspects of the agent, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a website that talks about responsibilities/jobs of an agent. I have thought about becoming an agent before, and could probably find a jock at Mountaineer where I live, but was just wondering more about the job. If anyone knows anything, let me know.

[WJ47]

Buddha, I know the agent is usually an expert handicapper and actually looks for the best mounts for his jockey. If you read the book called "Perfect Ride" which is the story of Gary Stevens, he talks alot about jockey agents in his book.

Here is a link to an Oklahoma application to be a jockey agent that has a little info on it:

http://www.ohrc.org/ohrcforms/ohrc113Ljockeyagentagreement.pdf

I thought it was interesting on the application that it said that agents aren't allowed to "tout"!

[VetScratch]

Buddha,

About the non-obvious relationship between agents and jockeys, I have heard Bernie Flint "credited" with the following humorous quip: "If it weren't for their agents, most jockeys would be wards of the state!" :)

[Buddha]

Originally posted by WJ47
Buddha, I know the agent is usually an expert handicapper and actually looks for the best mounts for his jockey. If you read the book called "Perfect Ride" which is the story of Gary Stevens, he talks alot about jockey agents in his book.

Here is a link to an Oklahoma application to be a jockey agent that has a little info on it:

http://www.ohrc.org/ohrcforms/ohrc113Ljockeyagentagreement.pdf

I thought it was interesting on the application that it said that agents aren't allowed to "tout"!

I have heard about something with the "touting" on the WV app or maybe it was in the WV Racing rules. I might have to check out that book of Stevens'.

[karlskorner]

Here the rules for Kentucky, I would think about the same all over

http://krc.ppr.ky.gov/kar/810/001/010.htm

This is good article on daily life of Jock Agent

http://www.fgno.com/whatsnew/features/020303feature.html

[karlskorner]

Here is the application for Jockey Agent for State of OHIO, don't think about it, DO IT

http://www.state.oh.us/rac/pdfs/license1a.pdf

[stgeorge]

Saw a link to this article today at www.equidaily.com:

http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/cgi-bin/LiveIQue.acgi$rec=14297?hb_story

It profiles a jockey agent in the midwest and tells a little bit about what he does.

[jotb]

Originally posted by Buddha
I know the basic aspects of the agent, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a website that talks about responsibilities/jobs of an agent. I have thought about becoming an agent before, and could probably find a jock at Mountaineer where I live, but was just wondering more about the job. If anyone knows anything, let me know.

Buddha I'm quite familair with the duties of an agent and take it for me, you don't want to get involved unless you have 1 of the 5 top rider's at your circuit. I would suggest if you still want to follow through as an agent, you certainly need a few outfits behind you, to get your rider started. You have a decent shot with a live apprentice because trainer's like to get the weight off but even if you have an apprectice that is capable, I'm sure another agent will, snatch him from underneath you. There is hardly any loyalty in this game and basically an agent is nothing more than a prostitute. The job is 7 days a week with no holidays or benefits. You work from the wee hours of the morning until the races are over and you still need to do your homework at night. You must attend the draw at least 5 days a week and get ready to deal with the sharks (other agents) at the draw. If you grab a rider with ability and everyone wants that rider you will be spinning many trainers (because you want to ride the best horse for that race) and in turn become a hated individual by the trainers you spin. I would suggest if you commit to a trainer then follow through with that commitment. Your rider will be unhappy because you did not choose the right mount but a trainer respect that. My suggestion would be if you had a call in the book for a certain race but the horse was nothing but a rat and all of a sudden just before entries you get a call to ride a live item, It would be best to be honest with trainer. Sometimes a trainer will let you off the hook and let you ride the live item. Always leave it in their lap.

Joe

[VetScratch]

Unfortunately, StGeorge's story link got corrupted by the way things work, so here again is the link to the McNerney story:

http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/cgi-bin/LiveIQue.acgi$rec=14297?hb_story

Note: you have to copy and paste the full link into your browser address line.

In addition to what Jotb posted, the McNerney story typifies the dues that usually have to be paid before becoming an agent... most agents have followed similar career paths that accumulated backside relationships and knowledge about every aspect of racetrack operations.

The best handicappers in the world will get eaten by the "sharks" until they have also paid their dues... and that can take years.

I have seen a few career shortcuts work, but they were founded on blood relationships or marriage relationships that greased the skids.

Of course, nothing should discourage a burning ambition that is willing to persevere... but the hardships are daunting.