News

Jockeys Association Strike Statement

11th Sep 2009

Racing And Sports - Thursday, 10 September 2009

Jockeys have refused to ride at various race meetings across the country today following the decision by the Australian Racing Board to reject their calls for changes to the new whip rules.

In its submission to the ARB, the Australian Jockeys' Association called for an alteration to the rules in regards to the last 100 metres, saying the current rules are a serious safety risk for jockeys.

Among the race meets affected are Ballarat, Ipswich and Hawkesbury. Jockeys will meet tonight to discuss their on-going course of action.

AJA CEO Paul Innes said the ARB's decision has put a cloud over the upcoming spring racing carnival.

“Unfortunately the Australia Racing Board has let jockeys and everyone else involved in the industry down today,” Mr Innes said.

“All we were after was a common sense approach to the whip issue.

"Jockeys are very happy with the introduction of the padded whips, we're happy to limit the use of the whip prior to the last 100m, but the rules governing whip use in the last 100 metres have to change.

“We will now go back to jockeys around the country and discuss where we go to from here. We can't rule anything out at this stage.

“We can't have jockeys worrying about counting the number of times they've moved their whips when they should be concentrating on getting to the line safely.

"It's just ridiculous.

“Racing is a dangerous sport as it is – jockeys put their lives on the line every time they jump in the saddle – and now by leaving these rules in place the Australian Racing Board is making it even more dangerous for our riders.

"The ARB has completely ignored the unanimous call of all participant stakeholders to make a minor variation to the rules."