MEDIA RELEASE -Riding Fees

The Racing Association, Gold Circle and Phumelela announced yesterday that in accordance with a contractual agreement between the owners and the jockeys an increase in their remuneration has been approved.

Effective from 1 March 2008, the riding fees will be increased from R475 to R525, an increased of 10,5%.

The negotiations between the owners and the jockeys began in January 2007 and were concluded in April 2007 with the increase set for 1 March 2008.

An interim increase was given last year.

Clyde Basel, CEO of the Racing Association, said that now that a correct base riding fee had been agreed upon, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would be an acceptable yardstick with which to establish increases on a year to year basis.

“We're really pleased to have reached this agreement with the parties concerned and that the hard-working jockeys share in the success of the racing industry," said Basel.

Eric Fordred, the National Jockey Co-ordinator, was very pleased with the harmonious manner in which the negotiations had been conducted and with the resulting increase.

“I have spoken to a number of jockeys and they are all very happy that we are being looked after,” he said.

Hear hear Pussy

Please explain the wording anyone "NOW that a correct riding fee has been eatablished"..why was it wrong before?

Are certain Jockeys still asking for a premium as regards stakes? If so why as they seem to be earning enough in my opnion - perhaps weaker riders should offer to take a smaller % (as some estate agents do) which could see them getting rides that they would not normally get(i'm dreaming i know!!)

I think R525 to ride an animal travelling at 30mph plus is fair - seeing as a fall at anytime can not only injure but end someones career everytime they hop up.

As for the Cats comments, we'd all like more money - lol!

Great that they get a increase! But does that mean that some jockeys will start asking for 12 to 15% of stakes soon to?

Does the RA really know what they are doing.
Jockey fees goes up.
Feed bill goes up.
Groom salaries goes up.
Transport fees etc. goes up.
In the end off the day all this cost goes back to the owner.
They mention that they spoke to a number of jockeys and that they are happy with it.
When are we talking about the stake cheque going up to pay for all of this increases.
The game wont excist without owners and punters.
Why should we always be the last on the RA's list.

We were given a stakes increase www.racingassociation.co.za/show_news_element.php?id=65
I do however realise that more should be done to increase bread and butter racing but that is another issue