Thoroughbred horse racing is not the simplest sport in the world. When it first came to prominence it was considered the Sport of Kings because only noblemen could own such beautiful creatures. Over time the jockey began to secure a place of prominence amongst the horse riding elite because they possessed an uncanny ability to maintain their weight under 110 pounds. They achieved this through exercise, fasting, and (in extreme cases) forced vomiting. The median time span of a jockey is less than two years, and the working conditions for are (not surprisingly) treacherous -- almost 2,500 jockey injuries happening every year. But all of this becomes secondary once the gates open and the jockeys race like hell atop their steeds toward the finish line, where riches, glory, and beautiful women await. As if the rugged working conditions and the money at stake weren't enough, here are some more reasons why women love jockeys.

They're Mysterious

Source

Jockeys aren't known for being the most outspoken athletes. They don't receive million dollar endorsements for shoes, paparazzi snapping their photos at the hottest Hollywood parties, or get their face plastered on billboards. Jockeys have mystique on their side. Not much is known about these mysterious horse riders, other than the fact that they are fearless when it comes to riding beasts that weigh nearly 1,000 lbs.

Fierce Fashion

Source

Jockeys have got something fierce going on when it comes to fashion. They may be of smaller stature, but that doesn't mean they don't stick out in a crowd. Their jerseys and helmets represent the colors the owners have chosen for both horse and jockey to be adorned (which are surprisingly snazzy): crisp white pants, and awesome knee high leather boots. In our opinion, their uniform is the bee's knees.

They Ride Beautiful Animals

Source

Horses are some of the most beautiful creatures that roam the Earth today. People love horses and admire them for their superior charisma and athleticism. Horses are tall and sinewy, and the beauty of their coats is unrivaled. When jockeys hop on top of these animals, their sex appeal goes through the roof, and scores of women have been known to faint in their presence.

They Model For Ralph Lauren

Source

The cost of maintaining a race horse is quite expensive. Owning a race horse in training for one year is £15,000 in the United Kingdom and $35,000 at major race tracks in North America. The average buying price of a race horse is around $90,000. It's an expensive sport that attracts expensive taste, which is why they only wear the best.

They Jump Horses

Source

Jockeys aren't just relegated to one type of racing. Thoroughbred racing is divided into two major categories: flat racing and jump races. The flat races are what everyone is familiar with, showcasing the horses running on flat stretches over grass and dirt. Jumping events include steeplechases where they either jump over hurdles made of plastic and steel; or timber, where the jumps are immovable wooden rail fences. Jockeys can do it all, which is why the ladies love them so much.

Fierce Emotions

Source

While jockeys may be small, that doesn't mean they don't have the fierce spirit of a seasoned competitor. During the opening day of the 2010 Breeder's Cup at Churchill Downs, horse racing saw something completely out of the ordinary; a fight broke out in the winner's circle between jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano. Castellano almost caused a two-horse crash when his mount cut off Romp on the turn for home, causing that horse to slam hard into Borel's mount, A.U. Miner, who was forced to check hard. While Borel was able to secure fourth place, he was extremely pissed off and eventually tried to settle things man-to-man - in the winner's circle nonetheless. Let's face it, women like bad-asses, and bad-ass jockeys are.

Jockeys Win Big Money

Source

Jockeys stand to earn some serious dough if they win any of the big races throughout the season, especially the coveted Triple Crown. In 2010, the Kentucky Derby purse was $2 million, the Preakness Stakes purse was $1.1 million, and the Belmont Stakes purse was $1 million. No single horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed and jockey Steve Cauthen in 1978.

Girls Love Horses

Source

Jockeys really have an advantage when it comes to what a girl wants. Girls love excitement, flashy clothes, fancy parties, trips around the world, and money. If a jockey is successful, they have every one of these bases covered -- and apparently girls don't care that they're three feet taller than their man.

Tags: