DE Jockeys Receive Losing Mount Fees Increase

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(Edited press release)

Delaware Park jockeys will receive an increase in losing mount fees when the track opens April 25. 
 
Losing mount fees in all races will now range in scale from $75 to $105, compared to the previous range of $45 to $105.
 
“This is a major step forward for Delaware jockeys,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “I would like to express my appreciation to the executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Bessie Gruwell, Scott Peck (president of the DTHA), and the board of the DTHA, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, and its executive director, John Wayne, Bobby Colton, and the Guild’s regional manager Larry Saumell. They worked diligently to reach an agreement that provides for an increase that is meaningful for the jockeys.”
 
“On behalf of the jockeys of Delaware Park, I would like to thank the horsemen, Delaware Park, and the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission in keeping Delaware jockeys as the national leaders in jockeys’ concerns. I challenge anyone to find a better place in America to ride,” said Robert Colton, director of the Delaware Jockeys’ Association.

“This mount fee increase, on top of our established programs for safety, for excess on track benefits, and for personal health and welfare benefits, gives the rest of the nation a blue print to follow for jockey issues,” said Meyocks. “The jockeys look forward to working with the horsemen on other measures to improve the racing industry in the state."
 
This new scale follows increases in mount fees through legislation at California tracks and negotiated increases at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, Saratoga, Finger Lakes, Monmouth, Meadowlands, Atlantic City, Hawthorne, Arlington, Fairmount Park, Gulfstream Park, Calder Race Course, Tampa Bay Downs, Turf Paradise, Yavapai Downs, Indiana Downs, Hoosier Park, Charles Town, and Prairie Meadows. Jockeys at Philadelphia Park and Penn National have also received raises in their losing mount fees. Negotiations are ongoing in other racing jurisdictions.
 

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