Risky ride to riches for Mongolia’s child jockeys

Risky business: A child jockey competing during a winter race in Argalant district in the west of Ulan Bator. — AFP

ULZIIT (Mongolia): Racing their steeds across the endless Mongolian steppe, child jockeys as young as seven dream of glory and riches in a country where horses are a national passion.

Yet rights groups warn of a dark underbelly in the sport – where vulnerable pre-teens face the risk of crippling injury and harsh treatment or even physical abuse by trainers.