Horse racing in India dates back to the age of kings, where it was primarily a source of entertainment and training. Today, it has evolved into a popular sporting event and a significant avenue for betting. Beyond the betting odds and excitement, several factors influence the outcome of horse races, including the condition of the track, the health of the horse, and the skills of the jockey. Before placing a bet, it’s crucial to understand these elements and know the top jockeys who play a pivotal role in the race's outcome. Jockeys are self-employed professionals hired by trainers to ride horses for a fee and a share of the winnings. Their role is crucial to the horse's success. Here are the top 10 jockeys in India you should know about before placing your bets:

Top 10 Horse Jockeys in India

1. Akhade Sandesh

Akhade Sandesh started his career with the Bishop Wulstan race in Ireland. Although he didn't win, his determination led him to victory in the Good Racing event in the United States. Sandesh holds a record of 151 wins in a year, including 64 triumphs in the Mumbai Racing Season.

2. Suraj Narredu

Suraj Narredu, the son of trainer and ex-jockey Satish Narredu and nephew of ex-jockey Malesh Narredu, has jockeying in his blood. He won the McDowell's Indian Derby in 2015 and continued to win it consecutively in 2019, 2020, and 2021. He has also won the International Jockeys Challenge with races in Malaysia, Macau, and Mauritius.

3. Pradeep Singh Chauhan

Pradeep Singh Chauhan, a seasoned jockey, won his 10th race early in his career and has since achieved over 1,000 career wins. His first 500 wins took 12 years, but the next 500 were achieved in just 3 years, marking him as one of the best jockeys in India.

4. T.S. Jodha

T.S. Jodha, hailing from a family renowned for jockeying and training, achieved his first win with Revan Star in Bangalore within three days of his first race. With over 800 races under his belt and a nearly 46% win rate, he is a promising talent in Indian horse racing.

5. Kirtish Bhagat

Kirtish Bhagat is known for his confident and stylish riding. Following the techniques of Richard Hughes, he has become one of India's top jockeys, mastering the art of when to hold back and when to push forward.

6. S. Zervan

S. Zervan, one of the younger top jockeys, is known for his skill and preference for riding well-trained, winning horses like Maple Star and Silver Birch. His talent has quickly established him as a key player in Indian horse racing.

7. Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar, a relatively new name, started under SSF Hassan in Hyderabad and swiftly moved to season races. His rapid rise in the ranks suggests he will soon break records set by his predecessors.

8. Dashrath Singh

Dashrath Singh is known for his humility off the field and competitiveness on it. As a young jockey, he won seven races in one weekend. His career is marked by numerous victories and respect for healthy competition.

9. Yash Narredu

Yash Narredu, an exceptional talent at RWITC, competed in over 1,500 races and won 190 of them by the age of 23. His early success and dedication inspire many aspiring jockeys.

10. Aniket Karande

Aniket Karande began his career in late 2018 and quickly made a name for himself with a 36% win rate. His persistence and growing record make him a notable jockey in the Indian horse racing scene.

These top 10 jockeys have significantly influenced the sport in India with their skill and dedication, making them critical players to consider when betting on horse races.