
UK-based flat jockey Tom Marquand, pictured here at Newbury, says he spends much of his time on the road traveling between races.

Driving eight hours a day to and from racecourses is not uncommon for the 18-year-old.

For the majority of professional or amateur jockeys competing in the UK, lengthy car journeys are an occupational hazard.

Things are no different for jump jockeys like Aidan Coleman, pictured here riding Fox Talbot to victory at the Shloer Steeple Chase at Cheltenham in November 2016.

The Irishman says most jockeys have to love what they do to make the commitment to racing.

According to Coleman, here riding Hollywoodien (R) at Ascot in 2015, racing is the easy bit. The difficult part is the travel, admin and training that is required away from the racecourse.

Retired flat jockey Hayley Turner says riders must maintain an outward air of personability when meeting racehorse owners and industry players, despite the stresses of travel and making weight.

Turner, who rode over 750 winners in her career, says "you can't be grumpy."