(edited press release)
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and the Jockeys’ Guild have agreed to a new scale of mount fees for jockeys at tracks run by the New York Racing Association which will take effect April 2, the Guild announced in a March 8 press release.
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and the Jockeys’ Guild have agreed to a new scale of mount fees for jockeys at tracks run by the New York Racing Association which will take effect April 2, the Guild announced in a March 8 press release.
Mount fees for finishing below third on races with a purse of $99,999 or less will be set at $100. That same mount fee on races above the $99,999 level will remain at $105.
“It has been more than 15 years since riders last had an increase,” said NYTHA president Rick Violette. “The jockeys were due for an increase and I am pleased we were able to come to an agreement that is fair to both the horsemen and the riders.
“The NYRA jockey colony is perhaps as good and as deep as it has ever been. We understand the importance of maintaining that quality and this action underscores our commitment to the entire colony. New York racing is moving forward and we will continue to work with all parties to provide New York fans with the best Thoroughbred racing in the world.”
“We appreciate the efforts of Rick Violette and NYTHA’s board on behalf of its membership,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “Rick and (jockey) John Velazquez (Guild chairman) are to be commended for their dedication to coming up with an equitable scale for all concerned parties. John’s dedication to the sport and the mutual respect that has developed over the years among him and the owners and trainers he’s ridden for helped make this agreement a reality.”
