KINGSTON, Jamaica - Veteran reinsman Phillip Parchment says that, while many people believe that jockeys’ lives are easy when they are riding high and winning races, they don’t know the sacrifices members of the pigskin have to make to reap success in the racing industry.
The long-standing rider, Parchment, a winner of over 100 races, including the 2019 Jamaica Oaks aboard Princess Anne and the 2020 Jamaica Derby aboard King Arthur, said that exhausting hours, constantly watching weight, and the risks of injury are just some of the many challenges he has to face during a career in the saddle.
“It is very nice when you win races and things, but a lot of people don’t realise how hard jockeys’ lives are. If you are riding well and winning big races, people say you are making a lot of money and you are on top of your game. But it’s not easy; they don’t know what you have to go through each day and the sacrifices one has to make to achieve any form of success,” Parchment said.
“It is very hard work in the mornings. Sometimes the hours are very long, but you can’t give up. You have to put in the work. Plus, from the moment you go around or on top of a horse, you are at risk. They can throw you from the saddle, kick you, step on you, and things like that, and that is running a risk with your life.
“Once you stray from your diet, you gain weight, and so you have to exercise and work very hard to take off that extra weight so you get the rides and win races. It’s rough sometimes as a jockey, but you have to be very dedicated and committed to doing the hard work to stay in the game,” added the 41-year-old Parchment.
Parchment said that sometimes jockeys are at their lowest when going through a very lean spell during which winners are hard to come by, and it is extra hard to get back into form.
“It is even harder when you are at your lowest. The work load is doubled as you have to put in the extra hard work and build back your confidence. You have to prove to the trainers that you will go the extra mile.
“To me, it is a mind game, and once you are focused and confident, then you can get through the difficult times. Sometimes you are in a race and aboard the best horse in the race, and because you are very anxious to win a race in a very long time, you end up dashing away the race. And so, it is a mind thing and a belief in yourself,” explained Parchment.
Parchment, who has so far ridden 18 winners of the season, said that his aim for the remainder of the season is to finish in the top 10 among the riders.
“I am riding in some form and I am working hard as well. My goal for the remainder of the season is to finish in the top 10, then I can plan for next year. But, for now, it is the top 10 and see what happens,” he said.
When asked about challenging for the jockey’s championship next year, Parchment said: “Well, to achieve anything you have to try, right. So, I will try, but let’s see how it goes as I am a capable rider who is willing to do the hard work. “
