(Edited press release)
Jockeys riding at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park will receive a two-stage increase in their losing mount fees beginning Monday, May 26 at Indiana Downs.
On that date, jockeys will receive a $15 boost in the basic mount fee. On Jan. 1, 2009, jockeys will receive an additional $15 increase per mount, pending anticipated 2008 slot revenue.
“We are very pleased to come to an agreement with the Indiana horsemen,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “The jockeys look forward to working with the horsemen and track management to promote horse racing in the state and help it reach new levels of success.”
This new scale follows increases in mount fees through legislation in California last fall and negotiated increases this year at Finger Lakes, the New York Racing Association tracks, and at racetracks in the Chicago area.
“The jockeys have deserved a raise in their basic mount fees, which in many cases have not been significantly increased in decades,” said Meyocks. “We appreciate the horsemen, racetrack managements, and racing commissions that have worked with the jockeys and the Guild to implement reasonable increases in those fees.”