jockey club

1. an association for the regulation and promotion of thoroughbred horse racing, usually composed of racing officials and thoroughbred owners at a specific racetrack or in a particular region.

2. a section at a racetrack reserved for members of such an association, containing box seats, a restaurant, and sometimes rooms for social gatherings.

[1765-75]

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▪ British horse racing organization

      supreme authority in control of horse racing and breeding in Great Britain (United Kingdom), formed about 1750 to regulate racing at Newmarket, Suffolk, and support the sport generally. Its Turf Board, consisting of nine Jockey Club stewards, coordinates long-term policy as opposed to day-to-day operation. Overall control of the sport is in the hands of the Joint Racing Board, composed of members of the Jockey Club and members of the Horserace Betting Levy Board appointed by the government. The club also publishes the Racing Calendar and General Stud Book. Headquarters are at Newmarket.

      Other countries have established similar organizations—e.g., the American Jockey Club (founded 1893).

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