Why are jockeys called "bug boys"? I never met a jockey who had any bugs?

Question

Why are jockeys called "bug boys"? I never met a jockey who had any bugs?

Answer 1

Jockeys are called "Bug boys" because of the asterisk or 'bug" beside their name in their apprenticeship. They have to be an apprentice or starting out to have a bug. When you get to become a professional, you have the bug removed from beside your name. The bug allows jockeys to have a weight allowance because of experience. The name Bug Boy has been around since the 1930's.

Answer 2

An apprentice jockey is listed in the program with an asterisk next to their name. The asterisk kind of looks like a bug, hence the slang term "bug boy."

Answer 3

"An apprentice jockey is known as a "bug boy" because the asterisk that follows the name in the program looks like a bug."

Apprentices may get a weight allowance to compensate for their inexperience.

Answer 4

because of the mark next too their names in the program

each mark means 5 lbs off.....

when they 1st start they get a 15lb break, then after they win a

certain amount races or time limit they go to 10lb weight break,

then they go to 5lb break.....i think quiones out at Hollywood park

is losing his bug next Wednesday....then he will be hard press

to get a winner........

Answer 5

Bug boys is what they call apprentice jockeys.