Handicapping riders key to Jockey7

An innovative addition to the daily wagering menu at Kentucky Downs will make its debut this meet with the Jockey7 Wager, which allows horseplayers to bet on individual jockeys and their mounts. The Jockey7 will span the last seven races (4-10) each day.

Win-place-show, exacta, and trifecta wagering will be held on the Jockey7, which will consist of 13 jockeys and their assigned mounts, plus a “field” as a 14th entry.

Betting interests for the Jockey7 won’t be set until scratches are finalized the day before each card. Updated details will be available through the track website (kentuckydowns.com) and wagering accounts accessing the tote system. A program insert will be available ontrack.

Results are based on a points system for top-four finishes (25-12-9-5), with one point awarded for a scratch or nonstarter. In case of a late rider change, the points stay with the horse in its original grouping. A tie in points is broken by winplace-show mutuel payoffs for those involved.

The Jockey7 is the brainchild of Kentucky Downs president Corey Johnsen, who tried it briefly in the 1990s during his tenure at Lone Star Park in Texas. Johnsen’s son C.J. is overseeing its implementation in his role in Kentucky Downs management and said he has “no idea” how much handle the new bet will attract.

“It’s just something we thought would be fun and interesting,” C.J. Johnsen said. “We think it’s critically important in our sport to create new wagering opportunities for fans. It will appeal to casual fans who have their favorite jockeys and to veteran horseplayers who enjoy the mind puzzle.”

The Jockey7 will be listed as race 11 on wagering menus but will close prior to race 4. A percentage of handle will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.