MY CALL - JOCKEYS DESERVE MORE RESPECT FOR THEIR MULTIPLE ROLES AND THE RESPONSIBILTY THEY ASSUME
By David Fowler | Tuesday, May 10, 2016
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
It riles me when jockeys' fees are discussed administratively as some sort of annoying distraction.
Those in power tut tut any increase in fees could harm their bottom line.
Or behind door meetings suggesting a decrease in fees could very well assist the same thing.
The jockey plays multiple roles on the track including protecting the welfare of a 500 kilo animal every half hour.
But he or she is a performer as well. Presenting a performance for multiple audiences who are quick to condemn a performance not up to their often impossible to meet standards.
These half hourly performances are not an exact science.
Mistakes are made. Accidents will happen.
It is beyond argument they take their life in their hands every time they head to the barrier stalls.
Racing Queensland recently put the jockey fee issue under the microscope in their overall financial appraisal some time ago.
There was a brief firestorm that was deferred until July.
I'd suggest in any deliberations on the matter, play the footage of Saturdays Ubet Classic at Morphettville when Luke Nolen was tossed to the ground like a rag doll.
Watch it and then watch it again.
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Race falls obviously strike at the physical well-being of the jockey but surely there is potentially a mental price to pay as well.
Here's a comparison that might make it easier for you to appreciate.
Many car drivers never have an accident in their driving life. Some might have one or two.
But imagine a bingle or two, two or three times a year and it's not your fault.
Apart from possible physical harm, wouldn't your mind start saying, "is this driving caper worth it".
Wouldn't every accident lessen your confidence?
There's one difference between the driver and the jockey.
The driver can throw the keys to the kerb and catch the bus or train. For the jockey, it's his or her livelihood.
Another scenario that's food for thought.
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There are two excellent opportunities to secure a sneak peek of Eagle Farm before the curtain is raised at the June 4 Oaks day reopening.
The first is actually tomorrow with the wonderfully-appointed Racing Museum open for public viewing between 11am and 4pm.
These is 150 years of Queensland racing history in all shapes and sizes but also the chance to see the refurbished facilities and the new course proper.
And don't forget a phantom meeting will be run on Thursday May 19 with barrier trials run under race conditions as well as full betting and catering options open for business.
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The Channel 7 Brisbane Racing Club Carnival begins this Saturday.
Five straight Saturdays of Group and Listed Racing will be run at Doomben then Eagle Farm.
Cylinder Beach and Tiyatrolani are the two runners to watch closely this Saturday.
Apart from their obvious talent, they are local talent who could very well work through to Group One glory.
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