Physiological Demands of Flat Horse Racing Jockeys.
Abstract: The physiological demands of jockeys during competition remain largely unknown, thereby creating challenges when attempting to prescribe sport-specific nutrition and training guidelines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological demands and energy requirements of jockeys during flat racing. Oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and heart rate (HR) were assessed in 18 male trainee jockeys during a race simulation trial on a mechanical horse racing simulator for the typical time duration to cover a common flat race distance of 1,400 m. In addition, 8 male apprentice jockeys participated in a competitive race, over distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 m, during which HR and respiratory rate (RR) were assessed. All participants performed a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test. During the simulated race, peak V[Combining Dot Above]O2 was 42.74 ± 5.6 ml·kg·min (75 ± 11% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) and below the mean ventilatory threshold (81 ± 5% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) reported in the maximal incremental cycle test. Peak HR was 161 ± 16 b·min (86 ± 7% of HRpeak). Energy expenditure was estimated as 92.5 ± 18.8 kJ with an associated value of 9.4 metabolic equivalents. During the competitive race trial, peak HR reached 189 ± 5 b·min (103 ± 4% of HRpeak) and peak RR was 50 ± 7 breaths per minute. Results suggest that horse racing is a physically demanding sport, requiring jockeys to perform close to their physiological limit to be successful. These findings may provide a useful insight when developing sport-specific nutrition and training strategies to optimally equip and prepare jockeys physically for the physiological demands of horse racing.
Publication Date: 2015-05-02 PubMed ID: 25932980DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000977Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study aims to understand the physiological requirements and energy demands of professional jockeys during competitive horse racing. It finds that horse racing is a physically demanding sport, which often pushes jockeys close to their physiological limit.
Approach and Methodology
- The research involved evaluations of oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and heart rate (HR) of 18 male trainee jockeys as part of a race simulation trial. This trial was conducted on a mechanical horse racing simulator and mirrored the typical time duration required for a common flat race covering a distance of 1,400 meters.
- This study also involved analyzing 8 male apprentice jockeys participating in a competitive race. The race distances ranged from 1,200 to 1,600 meters, and HR and respiratory rate (RR) were assessed during these races.
- All participants underwent a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test – a measurement of physical fitness that gauges maximum oxygen uptake.
Results from the Simulated Races
- The simulated race found that the peak oxygen uptake was 42.74 ± 5.6 ml·kg·min, which is 75% of the peak oxygen uptake and falls below the average ventilatory threshold (81%) reported in the maximal incremental cycle test.
- The peak heart rate recorded was 161 beats per minute, which is 86% of the peak heart rate.
- The energy expenditure during the simulated race was estimated to be 92.5 ± 18.8 kJ, with an associated value of 9.4 metabolic equivalents.
Results from the Competitive Races
- The competitive race trial revealed that the peak heart rate reached 189 beats per minute, which is 103% of the peak heart rate.
- The peak respiratory rate was recorded at 50 breaths per minute.
Implications of the Study
- The results suggest that horse racing is intensely physically demanding, often requiring jockeys to perform near their physiological limit in order to succeed.
- These findings could prove essential in developing sport-specific nutrition and training strategies, enabling jockeys to be physically prepared and optimally equipped for the physiological demands of horse racing.
Cite This Article
APA
Cullen S, OʼLoughlin G, McGoldrick A, Smyth B, May G, Warrington GD.
(2015).
Physiological Demands of Flat Horse Racing Jockeys.
J Strength Cond Res, 29(11), 3060-3066.
https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000977 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1Applied Sports Performance Research Group, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; 2The Turf Club, The Curragh, Co., Kildare, Ireland; and 3Cognitive Motor Function Research Group, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Animals
- Energy Metabolism / physiology
- Ergometry
- Heart Rate / physiology
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Oxygen Consumption / physiology
- Sports / physiology
- Young Adult
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Legg KA, Cochrane DJ, Gee EK, Chin YY, Rogers CW. Relationship between experience and head kinematics in race riding jockeys. Sci Rep 2025 Apr 26;15(1):14686.
- Farley A, Bennett H, Eston R, Perry R. Cardiac Structure and Function of Elite Australian Jockeys Compared to the General Population: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study. Sports Med Open 2024 Nov 5;10(1):119.
- Best R, Williams JM, Pearce J. The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders. Nutrients 2023 Nov 30;15(23).
- Pearson G, Douglas J, Wolframm I, Furtado T. Used like Pawns or Treated like Kings? How Narratives around Racehorse Welfare in the 2023 Grand National May Affect Public Acceptance: An Informed Commentary. Animals (Basel) 2023 Oct 8;13(19).
- Giusti Gestri L. Wearable technology may assist in reducing jockeys' injuries if integrated into their safety vests: a qualitative study. Front Sports Act Living 2023;5:1167110.
- Legg K, Cochrane D, Gee E, Macdermid P, Rogers C. Physiological Demands and Muscle Activity of Jockeys in Trial and Race Riding. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 8;12(18).
- Dunne A, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Harrison M, Cullen S. Body Composition and Bone Health Status of Jockeys: Current Findings, Assessment Methods and Classification Criteria. Sports Med Open 2022 Feb 14;8(1):23.
- Horan K, Kourdache K, Coburn J, Day P, Carnall H, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Hammond L, Millard S, Lancaster B, Pfau T. The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and jockey centre of mass displacements at gallop. PLoS One 2021;16(11):e0257820.
- Ryan K, Brodine J. Weight-Making Practices Among Jockeys: An Update and Review of the Emergent Scientific Literature. Open Access J Sports Med 2021;12:87-98.
- Di Tocco J, Sabbadini R, Raiano L, Fani F, Ripani S, Schena E, Formica D, Massaroni C. Breath-Jockey: Development and Feasibility Assessment of a Wearable System for Respiratory Rate and Kinematic Parameter Estimation for Gallop Athletes. Sensors (Basel) 2020 Dec 29;21(1).
- Ryan K, Garruppo G, Alexander K, Hluchan CM, Lincoln AE. Injuries among Maryland jockeys during thoroughbred racing: 2015-2019. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2020;6(1):e000926.
- Dunne A, Warrington G, McGoldrick A, Pugh J, Harrison M, O'Connor S, O'Loughlin G, Cullen S. Estimation of Body Fat Percentage in Jockeys: Implications for a Weight Category Sport. Int J Exerc Sci 2020;13(4):511-525.
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