apprentice

A novice jockey who has not yet rid-den
for a full year past his or her 35 th winner, or
some other time frame specified by a given state’s
racing rules. While jockeys serve their apprentice-ship,
they are accorded a 5-10 pound weight
a l l owa n c e, or reduction from their respective
weight assignments in all races except stakes. The
slang term for an apprentice allowance or rider is
bug boy. The term comes from the asterisk that
usually accompanies an apprentice rider’s name
in the entries.