Racehorse TALK

Australian Jockeys Association
28 November 2008

Australian jockeys passed a resolution at the Australian Jockeys Association AGM in Launceston on Friday calling on the Australian Racing Board to endorse their calls for one per cent of prize money to go towards safeguarding the country’s 860 jockeys.

The resolution passed is as follows:

The Australian Jockeys Association, representing the country’s 860 jockeys, today called on the Australian Racing Board to act decisively at its upcoming meeting on the 12th of December and endorse the AJA’s ‘Racing for our Lives’ claim.

This is a pivotal moment in the future of Australian racing, where racing bodies from around the country have the opportunity to assist Australian jockeys who are exposed to the dangers inherit in the industry.

The AJA’s concern is that if the Australian Racing Board does not recommend and endorse our national approach to protecting Australian jockeys, then individual state bodies will be unable to coordinate an appropriate response and provide the leadership required to progress at this critical moment.

The AJA’s ‘Racing for our Lives’ claim provides an opportunity for the ARB to take the national leadership role that jockeys are crying out for, as they seek a scheme that balances the dangers inherent in the sport with the need to provide the incentives that will enable young riders to commit to careers in the industry.

If the ARB is unable to coordinate a national response it is hard to see how jockeys will be able to continue to ride without appropriate protections to income and to the threat of legal proceedings by third parties.

Australian jockeys are committed to their industry and they love their work, but they need the support of all who profit from the risks they take if they are to have viable long-term careers.

It is our view that a new scheme will need to be in place by 31 March 2009. Therefore, we expect a commitment from the ARB arising out of their meeting on 12/12/2008. In the absence of such a commitment jockeys will be forced to consider their options.