Racing silks, also called racing colors, are the distinctive, colorful uniforms worn by jockeys during horse races. These serve as visual identification systems that represent the horse’s owner, not the jockey, allowing race commentators and spectators to easily distinguish between different horses on the track. They are distinctly different from Saddle Cloth Colors that correspond to each horse’s starting gate position.
The primary function of racing silks is identification. From the grandstands, spectators can see at a distance which owner a horse belongs to, making it easier to follow races when people may not know the names of individual horses and riders. Each design must be unique to avoid confusion, with no two owners allowed to have identical silks.
Modern Regulations and Design
Today’s racing silks consist of three elements: jacket, sleeves, and cap. The designs are strictly regulated, with 18 standard colors available including white, yellow, black, red, various blues and greens, beige, brown, grey, maroon, mauve, orange, pink, and purple.
Key design rules include:
- Maximum of four colors total (two on jacket, two on sleeves)
- Front and back of jackets must be identical
- Patterns are limited to heraldic-style designs like stripes, hoops, chevrons, and diamonds
- Annual registration required, typically costing around $100 per year
Historical Origins
The tradition of racing colors has deep historical roots dating back approximately 500 years, with origins traced to battlefield uniforms where soldiers wore specific colors to show which side they were fighting for. The practice became formalized in English horse racing during the 18th century, and in 1762, the English Jockey Club passed the Newmarket Resolution requiring owners to register their silks.
Ownership and Usage
Horse owners design and own the silks, meaning jockeys must change their colors between races if riding horses for different owners. When you see identical silks in the same race, it indicates both horses belong to the same owner. The silks must be registered with governing bodies like the British Horseracing Authority in the UK or The Jockey Club in the United States.