Day Talks Faith and Track Issues at Farm Managers Meeting

Jockey Pat Day discussed his faith and responded to questions concerning jockey advertisements and the scale of weights at the June 1 Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club meeting.

"My gratitude goes out to each and every one of you for allowing me and my fellow riders to do what we do," said the Hall of Fame rider who will rider Royal Assault in the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). "You guys keep the wheel churning."

Day, known for his devout faith, told the membership of his struggles with overcoming drugs and alcohol before answering membership questions about the two much talked about issues.

Regarding jockey advertisements, long-time jockey said he doesn't know what the correct answer. "I'm not totally in favor of the ads, but there needs to be an equitable way to distribute funds," he said.

Day said he believes the horse owner should also receive a share of the profits, along with a charitable organization receiving a portion.

"The only ones benefiting are riders who already have everything and are in the limelight," Day said. "Not many owners really make money in this game. If there weren't owners, we wouldn't have the game."

Day currently does not wear advertisements and said he doesn't plan to become involved until the situation is resolved.

The rider called the issue of raising the scale of weights a two-headed monster. He doesn't believe raising the weight to 130 would harm the horses but said he was opposed to the reasoning behind the increase.

"I'm opposed to selling to the public that if we raise the scale of weights, we're going to eliminate some of these extreme measures," Day said. "I really don't have a dog in that fight. I've never had weight problems. There is another way besides the extreme measures."