Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 4, § 1500 - Apprentice Jockey

(a) An apprentice jockey is a race rider who has ridden less than 40 winners or less than two years since first having been licensed in any racing jurisdiction, and who otherwise meets the license qualifications of a jockey.

(b) The apprenticeship of an apprentice jockey shall automatically terminate one year from the date of the tenth (10^th) winning ride of the apprentice jockey, or on the date of the (40^th) winning ride of the apprentice jockey, whichever comes later. No apprenticeship shall extend for more than two years from the date of the tenth (10^th) winning mount, except for good cause the Board may extend the termination date of an apprenticeship or amend the conditions under which the apprenticeship is granted.

(c) Any combination of Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, Arabian or Paint races at authorized race meetings in the United States, Canada or Mexico which are reported in the Daily Racing Form or other recognized racing publications shall be considered in determining eligibility for license as an apprentice jockey; provided, however, that any person who has ridden as a licensed jockey in any racing jurisdiction shall have the burden to establish that the granting of an apprentice jockey license to him or her is in the best interests of the rider and of Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, Arabian or Paint racing in this State. Nothing herein shall prohibit an apprentice jockey contract between the apprentice and a qualified employer.

(d) An applicant for apprentice jockey may be prohibited from riding until the Board of Stewards or the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB/Board) have sufficient opportunity (not to exceed 14 days) to verify the applicant's previous riding experience.

(e) The conditions of an apprentice jockey license do not apply to quarter horse racing. A jockey's performances in quarter horse racing do not apply to the conditions of an apprentice jockey license.

(f) An individual seeking to become an apprentice jockey may obtain an apprentice certificate by submitting a form provided by the Board and obtaining approval from the Board of Stewards. An individual shall not receive more than one apprentice license. In case of emergencies, a copy of the original certificate may be obtained from a CHRB office.

(g) An applicant with an apprentice certificate approved by the Board of Stewards may be licensed as an apprentice jockey. The apprentice certificate will grant an apprentice jockey all the allowances and conditions as stated in this rule, and Rule 1619, Apprentice Jockey Allowance.

(h) An apprentice jockey that has ridden less than ten (10) winners may not accept mounts on two-year-olds, first time starters, or in turf races, without the prior approval of the Board of Stewards.

(i) The apprentice jockey will be responsible to have their apprentice certificate with them at all times. Prior to riding, the apprentice certificate will be submitted to the clerk of scales at each racing association in which the apprentice is licensed and riding.

(j)

(1) The Board of Stewards shall extend the time during which a weight allowance may be claimed when an apprentice jockey is unable to continue riding due to:

(A) Service in the national armed forces;

(B) Enrollment in an institution of secondary or higher education;

(C) Restrictions on racing;

(D) Physical disablement or illness;

(E) Pregnancy;

(2) The Board of Stewards may extend the time during which a weight allowance may be claimed for other hardship outside of the control of the apprentice jockey.

(k) To qualify for an extension, an apprentice jockey shall have been rendered unable to ride for a period of seven (7) consecutive days or more after the date of their tenth (10^th) winning mount during the period in which the apprentice was entitled to an apprentice weight allowance.

(l) An apprentice jockey shall submit an Apprentice Jockey Extension Form CHRB-248 (New 08/22), which is hereby incorporated by reference, to a CHRB licensing office if they meet the requirements of subsection (j).

(1) When submitting Form CHRB-248, the apprentice jockey shall produce documentation verifying time lost due to the reason(s) defined in subsection (j).

(2) All other requests for extensions shall be directed to the jurisdiction that approved the apprentice license or certificate.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 4, § 1500

Note: Authority cited: Sections 19440 and 19460, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 19440 and 19460, Business and Professions Code.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 19440 and 19460, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 19440 and 19460, Business and Professions Code.

1. Amendment of section and new Note filed 3-18-97; operative 4-17-97 (Register 97, No. 12).
2. Amendment of subsection (b) and new subsections (d)-(l)(2) filed 11-29-2023; operative 1/1/2024 (Register 2023, No. 48).