What must a jockey do immediately after a race?

The appropriate action for a jockey immediately after a race is to proceed to the designated unsaddling area. This location is specifically set up for the safe removal of the saddle and equipment from the horse. It allows for the proper care of both the animal and the jockey, ensuring that the horse can be tended to quickly and efficiently after the demands of the race.

Heading straight to the paddock is not the correct next step since the paddock is where the horses are prepped before the race, not where they are unsaddled. Claiming foul is an important procedure if there has been an incident during the race, but it is not an immediate action that must be taken right after the race. Likewise, returning to the locker room is typically done after the jockey has unsaddled the horse, not immediately after the race concludes. The unsaddling area serves as the appropriate waypoint for the jockey before they complete any other post-race responsibilities.