The Jockeys Association yesterday morning held a meeting at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, under the guidance of its president Sheldon Rodrigo to discuss monies owed to them over the past year, citing that they are unhappy with the present situation where some $700,000 are owed to them.
It is the second meeting of the association, which was expected to continue last Sunday following its initial meeting on June 12, but was postponed to yesterday and was well attended but saw several of the seasoned campaigners missing.
With racing seemingly set to restart on Saturday at the centralised facility, the jockeys have sent a letter to the Arima Race Club (ARC) asking for dialogue and expressing the association's view on matters of finance.
In a letter signed by President Rodrigo and addressed to Robert Bernard, president ARC management committee, and Kenwyn Ogeer, chief executive officer, the association shared its concerns with the ARC.
"Owing to the many disgruntled members of the Jockeys Association and the plethora of complaints made, even from our leading jockey (2019), the Jockeys Association now write on their behalf for their concerns to be urgently addressed.
"As you are probably aware, the association held a meeting on Friday, June 12, 2020, to discuss, amongst other issues, the restart of racing and unpaid commissions dating back to July 2019," said Rodrigo in the release.
"A request was made verbally to Mr John O’Brien, who is part of the ARC management committee, to attend in order to shed some light on the way forward with respect to the plight of the jockey colony."
According to the release, O’Brien gave an overview of the financial state of the industry and stressed the need for the restart of live racing as soon as permission is granted by the relevant authorities.
O'Brien outlined the proposed parameters associated with the restart which including a major reduction in purses; a reduction in the number of race days; a reduction in the number of races per race day; and the maximum number of starters per race, which is also reduced.
The release continued: "He (O'Brien) indicated that upon the resumption of racing, ARC intends to pay place commissions on the Friday following a race day and win commissions within a week of dope free notification.
"He further stated that the outstanding commissions would be ‘frozen’ and paid following the sale of assets, namely the land for which the negotiations are at an advanced stage. However, it was noted that there was no actual/reasonably estimated time frame for the sale of assets process to be completed. As such, it should be understandable to you the frustration of the jockey colony as this process has been extremely protracted and many promises of payment have been made on the conclusion of the sale."
Rodrigo added that his association understands the issues as outlined by O’Brien, and the need for sacrifice by all stakeholders but jockeys are at a disadvantage compared to other stakeholders and are requesting that the ARC and by extension, other stakeholders, try to understand the jockeys' plight.
"The vast majority of our income is derived from race day riding fees and commissions, which we have not earned over the last three months. Although this occurrence was due to the pandemic COVID-19, it is noted that in the industry the jockeys are considered ‘self-employed’.
"However, jockeys do not fall within the ambit of key legislation to satisfy the requirements for Government salary grants and thus many of our jockeys are presently facing a detrimental financial situation, without any support from other stakeholders," said Rodrigo.
"Commissions of over $700,000 due to the jockeys remain unpaid with no firm indication as to when settlement will occur. We have been told of an impending sale of assets for some time, but this appears to be a moving target. It cannot be reasonable to expect the jockey colony to keep living in hope of payments when the finish line keeps moving away from them.
"Given the proposed parameters outlined above, our earning capacity would be greatly reduced more than 70 per cent and the jockey colony is exposed to greater risks than most in this industry, particularly when riding on a race day, during which mental alertness is paramount. This can be easily compromised if they are overly concerned with their financial status, particularly whether they will be paid as promised."
Rodrigo went on to list his association's requests which they hope the ARC will give urgent and due consideration, before the restart of the racing.
He said: "Provide a written commitment regarding the payment of current commissions. If for any reason, the Club is unable to meet its commitment, timely notice of same should be given. Furthermore, consideration is given to finding an alternative solution if the Club is unable to pay as promised.
"Provide a written commitment regarding the commencement of payment of outstanding commissions together with a projected end date. It is our expectation that commencement would start no later than September 1, 2020;
"Scheduled monthly meetings between ARC and the Jockeys Association to update on the progress and to address any other issues that may arise and in light of the recent pandemic, the Jockeys Association wishes to engage all relevant stakeholders and the National Insurance Board in remedying our non-contribution to the National Insurance System (NIS). From this experience, too many of our members suffered and proper measures need to be put in place for the financial protection of the jockeys.
"It is believed, by some in the industry, that the jockeys are inferior in status and the tail is wagging the dog at present. However, the jockeys are only asking for what is due and it is hoped that there is fair and unbiased deliberation of our concerns. We remain committed to the sport and all stakeholders in rebuilding the industry."
<Racing will re-Start on Saturday>
The racing fraternity can now breathe a sigh of relief following the announcement by the Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley that racing will resume on Saturday. The Prime Minister was addressing members of the media during a COVID-19 press conference in Tobago yesterday.
The Arima Race Club (ARC) was seeking to have racing re-started at Santa Rosa Park in Arima on Friday (Labour Day), however, the government has set Monday 22 June for sports and other sport-related activities to resume.
The ARC was working towards the resumption of racing without the presence of patrons. Only electronic betting will be accepted.
The ARC continues to work with its Minister and the relevant Authorities to ensure that Santa Rosa Park is a safe and secure environment with all the necessary protocols implemented.
The Club is cognizant of the need for trainers, owners and grooms to be kept informed and to be afforded adequate notice of the resumption date and other details so that they may prepare their horses for racing and entry on the proposed race card.