October
SeptemberDear Winning Post Editor
It was with some amusement I read from afar the debacle that was the jockeys’ strike on September 10.
Debacle not because they took this action, debacle not because of the issue, debacle not because of the ARB’s stance — debacle because the stewards didn’t enforce the rules of racing relating to jockeys not fulfilling their obligations to ride when having been engaged to do so.
What were the stewards doing? Having a cup of tea? From what I can see, the jockeys broke the rules and irrespective of whether they are correct regarding the whip issue or not, they should be punished in accordance with the rules.
If they want to strike as a group, they should choose a date well in advance and not offer themselves or accept rides when offered for that particular day. Are they breaking rules if they don’t offer themselves or don’t accept offers to ride? No.
And yet again, the owners pay for this wasted day.
If they’d chosen a day in advance, at least the owners pay nothing.
Sydney