why can some jokeys claim weight?

Even for a Bank Holiday you're gonna need better bait than that.

Put that rod away you little devil

you've been here nearly 8 years but, assuming you're not taking the p****, the following explains:

To compensate for their initial lack of experience and success in comparison to fully licensed jockeys, young jockeys claim a weight allowance at the beginning of their career and ride as “Apprentices” on the Flat or “Conditionals” under National Hunt Rules.

Eligible applicants for an Apprentice or Conditional jockeys licence must be aged over 16 – but under 26 years. The Apprentice and Conditional training courses are only available to those in full-time, paid employment of a Licensed Trainer. It is the Trainer who decides when the jockey is competent and ready to race-ride and makes a joint application with the individual to the British Horseracing Authority.

HTH

thanks orchadist.i did think thats what it was but wasnt 100%,im not taking the piss.could u tell me what the letters next to the horses age are in the post,such as t,p,v?

t = trier.  Worth backing

p = pulls hard.  Not worth backing

v = vole.  See p.

right so the horse im backing is actually a vole that pulls hard,but at least the jockey can claim 7lb.cheers guys v funny

hey yack im guessing your mum has a y after her name then?

OP related to lambchop. NAP

Its outrageous isnt it....saw Shane Kelly claiming the otherday. Shocking stuff.

try ragworm tipped with mackerel