JOCKEYS WIN THEIR BATTLE FOR A PAY-RISE

Monday, March 21, 2011

The board of Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) today approved a substantial riding fee increase for jockeys of around sixteen per cent over the next two years.

This is an increase in riding fees from the current $147 per ride to $160 from July 1, 2011, $165 from January 1, 2012 and $170 from July 1, 2012, with no further review until March 2013.

The offer would also increase the barrier trial fee from thirty per cent to thirty-five per cent of the riding fee from July 1, 2011.

RQL chairman Bob Bentley confirmed today this was a best and final offer on behalf of the racing industry.

"This is a strong offer in the face of challenging times with wagering turnover for the traditional pari-mutuel product in decline, legal debate continuing over race information fees, ageing infrastructure and weather complications to name a few," Mr Bentley said.

"When it comes to jockey's riding fees we already spend the most in the country (7.14 percent) as a percentage of TAB distribution.

"This new offer elevates that to around 7.98 per cent as compared to 4.93 percent in Victoria or 5.92 percent in New South Wales.

"In these difficult economic times, and on the back of severe weather incidents in Queensland, very few professions are able to negotiate an eight per cent year on year increase.

“This represents an extremely attractive offer, which sits right at the upper limit of what the industry can accommodate."

RQL would also continue to deduct and remit the $8 per ride fee from jockeys ($5.50 for apprentices) paid to the Jockeys Association.

Despite the fact that jockeys are self-employed contractors, Mr Bentley confirmed the board would continue to contribute to the cost of workers compensation which is currently $2.3 million annually.

The revised offer comes after consultation last week with representatives from owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys associations on a range of issues critical to the future of thoroughbred racing.

Current industry statistics along with end of financial year forecasts clearly demonstrate the industry's position in terms of prize-money, jockey benefits, wagering and revenue along with the need for improved industry infrastructure.

"The thoroughbred industry is calling for both an increase in prizemoney and jockeys riding fees," Bentley said.

"But there is no pot of gold and the board has gone as far as it can in terms of increased benefits for riders without reviewing other funding streams including prizemoney."