Negotiated turf: the feminisation of the New Zealand jockey profession

Abstract

Since 1977 New Zealand female jockeys have negotiated their turf, overcoming great resistance from trainers, male jockeys and the racing clubs to attain success in major races and premierships. Fifty percent of New Zealand's apprentice jockeys are now female. This success may be explained by the fact that female jockeys' bodies and gender socialisation make them better able to 'make the weight'. Why, then, have Australian female jockeys not attained a like success? Labour market theory provides the answer. Compared with Australian horse racing, the economy of New Zealand horse racing is weak and now stands on the periphery, unable to retain or attract male jockeys. The 'turf' New Zealand female jockeys have managed to negotiate in the last two decades compares with other feminised occupations and professions. On paper, Australian female jockeys may seem less successful than their New Zealand counterparts, but in reality they inhabit the same secondary labour market. Moreover, all New Zealand-based jockeys—male and female—work within the same secondary labour market.