Jockey's Union

Interesting discussion; perhaps the owners and jocks need to join forces here and fight both stakes levels and jocks numeration in view of the discrepancy between stakes and salaries on the one hand and dividends paid on the other.

I am probably naive, but I am sceptical of the real practical effect of these new acts (CPA, Companies Act, etc.); who is enforcing them in practical terms - many companies more often than not seem to find a loophole to exploit?

In a corporate or company structure,the reason the remuneration is frozen from the top,is because that is where strategy and business plans are determined (and therefore profits) whereas jockeys are all individually self-employed and therefore are masters of their own destiny.
Their situation is like Pro golfers rather than even footballers....it's all up to themselves!

To address the situation of those jocks that "work hard but don't get the rides" I think they should start paying riders to ride work. Even a small amount (R30 a workride?) would reward those guys who does the workriding as professional skilled riders.

I was under the impression that the jockeys did belong to a union,as their salaries went up by 7 percent,or was that what we as owners pay.I do recall that as winning owners we use to give our jockeys a gratuaty if a horse won,but that seems to have fallen by the wayside.

I believe if a jockey can't make the grade he should move on. Become a trainer or something else. Stakes are pathetic and the owners are always losers. Not all of us own the likes of JJ the jet plane. I know of the pain and disappointment felt by owners when a winning horse is given a mediocre ride and loses. If anything I think the owners should belong to a union. My two cents.

Marv agreed but thats exactly where the RA should come in..they are owners sort of union..the problem is that due to circumstances the members of the RA seem to be happy with the current situation?

I for one am not however thats not gonna help as those that are in support are too strong.

I feel sorry for those owners with a big string of mules.

Marvs the owners with big strings are quickly becoming a thing of the past,the reason they are not complaining is because 1) they are happy or 2) they have left the game or are planning to leave the game..

A poor Jockey ? I've heard this story before .... but the Jockey's Car park seems to tell a different story ...

news headlines - joc union cancel racemeeting because of threat of rain .
seriously guys ;in this country the jockey club runs the show ,its a case of the tail wagging the dog .look at the turf abandoned meet
the top jocs dictate .most of the jocks outside the top 30 would ride in yesterdays conditions.they dont get opportunities and most of them will
tell u it is safe to ride. the top jocs dont want to risk injury because of the top rides they get. i been to brazil and horses took part in driving rain with no visibility and the meeting was completed with no injuries . imo if jocs dont want to ride,give those who want to or import jocs from south america ,england etc

i am with the jock's...frustrating as it may be when a race meeting gets cancelled/postponed due to weather conditions.

they are the guys that "REALLY CALL THE SHOTS".

Flip side of the coin is, what are the rules, if any, that binds a jockey to ride, irrespective of the riding conditions...are there rules/guidelines, and who decides when it is safe to do so.

mr hawaii, I kinda agree with your " jockey car park ' sentiments, but not totally.
In every sport, golf, soccer, jocks, baseball the top 20 % make a sh!t load of money.....the majority a reasonable / medeocre living.... the bottom 20% are battlers.

NO ONE has forced them to take on this sporting profession, it is a passion that drives them most of the time. Some get breaks in life - others don't. Ask Dougie Whyte, Renaldo, yes they've got the talent, & lots of it & have made it big time.
How well is # 800 golfer doing on the P.G.A. circuit, once he's paid for flights & hotels. He/ she is hoping to make it big, it takes time, talent & luck, LOTS OF LUCK..... sometimes just being at the right place at the right time.

My racing gripe is the MAJOR STAKEHOLDER who CONTINUES TO GIVE DIVIDENDS, AT THE EXPENSE OF - OWNERS, TRAINERS & JOCKEYS - reduced stakes, never mind increases !

getting paid for workriding ? maybe not a bad idea for those jocks who are prepared to ride work....... BUT DON'T GET THE RIDES !