October
JulyWeighty issues
I refer to last week’s Richo column in relation to jockey safety and weight issues, where I was quoted. Most of the information was correct but a couple of issues need clarification.
Firstly, the introduction of a grade "A" and "B" jockeys is a sound idea — based on weight, not ablility. There are many heavyweight riders that are very talented and superior horsemen.
Secondly, I believe the "amateur" status of some jockeys should be eliminated, not the picnic jockeys themselves. I enjoy the picnics like anyone else.
My concept is that there should only be two grades of riders.Grade A would compete at 54kg-61kg, except at weight-for-age, which should be reviewed to allow a minimum 51kg and maximum 61kg.
Grade B jockeys would ride at 62kg and over, in highweight races, at the picnics and over the jumps.
If a "B" jockey doesn’t desire to take on the jumps, that’s okay — leave it to those in B grade that do.
This would allow "B" riders to make a sound earn as most also get paid for trackwork and trials. The riding fees for A and B grade would be identical and so too the percentages.
Picnics prizemoney should rise to minmum $5000 per race and both Racing Victoria and Racing NSW should conduct more Saturday non-TAB meetings where the minmum prizemoney is $10,000 per race. At all TAB meetings in NSW and Victoria, the minimum prizemoney must be $15,000 per race.
This formula would work absolutely and allow all to get a peice of the racing pie.
The current strategy, to slowly phase out smaller trainers and encourage the corporate types, is exactly why TAB meetings across the board have minimal attendance.
Go to Tuncurry or Bong Bong, Dunkeld or Balnarring and you will see what I mean. The true paying customer in all sports is the family. Racing is no different.
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