SPEECH FOR RACHEL ARCIAGA Moorefield Girls High School prefect Moorefield Book Launch Thursday July 14 2016
The unmistakable patterning of jockeys silks ,known as racing silks ,is one of the oldest traditions in thoroughbred racing . The tradition of using colours to distinguish contestants actually predates the thoroughbred breed-Roman charioteers may have been the first to use hats and capes of different colours in races.
In thoroughbred racing , the tradition of using silks in different colours dates to 1762 ,when 19 members of the English Jockey Club registered their colours at Newmarket for the greater convenience of distinguishing the horses in running . The patterns and colours used originally referenced the coats of arms associated with noble English houses.
The original purposes of jockeys silks were to allow observers and judges to distinguish between races on a far off track . Today PA systems, video , TV cameras and blanket numbers help serves the same functions today.
Today, silks are a mixture of classic style and modern function . Considering the importance of a jockey’s low weight in the racing world, it is essential that all his or her gear be ultra light weight and precision engineered for racing .
Though originally silk , today the shirts are most often nylon or lycra. The protective caps are made of space age ,lightweight protective materials with ventilated cooling technology. The signature high riding boots are made in high quality leather and rubber ,but designed to be sleek , lightweight and to mould perfectly to the rider’s foot and leg. The knee length jodhpur pant is high tech ,designed for the conditions of the day .
Jockeys silks are registered in Australia with each State racing authority. Once someone reserves and pays a registration fee as long as they renew it , the colours are theirs for life. There are more than 3,500 registered racing colours in NSW.There must be no corporate logos, and colours must be avoided that are too similar to other registered designs.
Whilst the use of colours is still a personal business ,it is paramount to the race process. Race callers still use the colours not the number to name the horse during the run . as a sadlecloth number can be obstructed.
Jockeys’ silks are one of the many cases in which tradition and technology merge to create a phenomenon that belongs uniquely to the 21st century.
Reference Blinkers on Racing stables Posted July 12 2011 in Jockeys Silks.
The Colour Code Australian Turf Club Newsletter Spring 2012
