WHAT AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE.
Nearly 40 years I've been involved in this industry. In that time I have seen many issues come and go which have seen trainers, jockey's, owners and the racing administrators pitted against one another. Never in my time have I seen such a total disregard for the industry by one section of the industry as what I witnessed today.
Let me say from the outset that I believe the current situation with the whip rules is a complete dogs breakfast and I agree whole heartedly that some changes are needed to simplify the whole whip affair. There are other ways and means to achieve that, however that being said, I can't believe what took place today.
What a disgraceful performance by the jockey's Australia wide today for penalising the very participants in the industry from whom they derive their income. I would dare say that over the years there have been a number of issues which have arisen which may very well have warranted strike action. This in my opinion was not one of them! I did not realise that the jockey's were actually employed under an industrial award or members of a union to even contemplate national action. I was under the belief that they were all self employed individuals.
This was a poor decision. Simple as that. One which I hope riders wake up in the morning and wish they had not taken. If they don't, then there is no place in the industry for riders with such a militant mentality. Even some sheep on their way to slaughter try to turn around and go against the trend. Apparently, not so with this mob. Did they really believe that this was the right way to do things? Was there nobody amongst them who was brave enough to say this is not the way to go?
Were they not part of the discussion groups over the past 12 months which looked at the rule changes in regards to whip usage? Did they not study the videos and attend the seminars held to familiarise jockeys on whip usage? Were they not aware that there would be another look at the rules early in 2010? Of course they all were. Yet they voted to carry on like spoilt brats today when they didn't get their own way. They had a dummy spit, packed their gear away and refused to ride. There is no place in modern society for this gun at the head mentality which is what took place today.
So where to now? If they are so stead fast in their belief that strike action is the way to solve this situation, will they stay on strike until the A.R.B. has a change of heart and changes the rules? Not likely! Or will they all follow each other back out to the green grass on Saturday for a nibble on what is on offer? I'm tipping that's what they will do. If so, what has been achieved? Absolutely nothing except to cause great inconvenience and expense to others within the industry and to show the rest of the country what a brainless decision they made today.
Should all owners and trainers send floating and staff cost invoices to the National Jockey's Association for payment for all the unnecessary expenses incurred today? I for one will! Or should I simply tell all my owners that from now on they should sling the guys at the stables after a win as the jockey's obviously have already got plenty of dollars but not much sense!
Let me say from the outset that I believe the current situation with the whip rules is a complete dogs breakfast and I agree whole heartedly that some changes are needed to simplify the whole whip affair. There are other ways and means to achieve that, however that being said, I can't believe what took place today.
What a disgraceful performance by the jockey's Australia wide today for penalising the very participants in the industry from whom they derive their income. I would dare say that over the years there have been a number of issues which have arisen which may very well have warranted strike action. This in my opinion was not one of them! I did not realise that the jockey's were actually employed under an industrial award or members of a union to even contemplate national action. I was under the belief that they were all self employed individuals.
This was a poor decision. Simple as that. One which I hope riders wake up in the morning and wish they had not taken. If they don't, then there is no place in the industry for riders with such a militant mentality. Even some sheep on their way to slaughter try to turn around and go against the trend. Apparently, not so with this mob. Did they really believe that this was the right way to do things? Was there nobody amongst them who was brave enough to say this is not the way to go?
Were they not part of the discussion groups over the past 12 months which looked at the rule changes in regards to whip usage? Did they not study the videos and attend the seminars held to familiarise jockeys on whip usage? Were they not aware that there would be another look at the rules early in 2010? Of course they all were. Yet they voted to carry on like spoilt brats today when they didn't get their own way. They had a dummy spit, packed their gear away and refused to ride. There is no place in modern society for this gun at the head mentality which is what took place today.
So where to now? If they are so stead fast in their belief that strike action is the way to solve this situation, will they stay on strike until the A.R.B. has a change of heart and changes the rules? Not likely! Or will they all follow each other back out to the green grass on Saturday for a nibble on what is on offer? I'm tipping that's what they will do. If so, what has been achieved? Absolutely nothing except to cause great inconvenience and expense to others within the industry and to show the rest of the country what a brainless decision they made today.
Should all owners and trainers send floating and staff cost invoices to the National Jockey's Association for payment for all the unnecessary expenses incurred today? I for one will! Or should I simply tell all my owners that from now on they should sling the guys at the stables after a win as the jockey's obviously have already got plenty of dollars but not much sense!
posted by Lou Luciani at
4:13 pm
1 Comments:
FROM A JOCKEYS POINT OF VIEW. I agree whole heartedly with Lous comments regarding the jockey strike today. Since the introduction of the new whip rule, Owners, Trainers, and Jockeys Australia wide have been united in the fight to have this rule reviewed. Today, certain jockeys thought it would be a good idea to strike, costing owners and trainers transport and other costs, not to mention missed prizemoney. I can't believe that any rider would alienate and hurt the people that have been consistently supporting them over this issue. As a united front, Owners, Trainers, and Jockeys, we could have taken similar action, in an organised manner that would not have been to the detriment of so many. Even more amazing, the jockeys wanted to make a stance, but when there is big money on offer on Saturday, straight back to work. Way to make a stance guys. If that is not enough I was in the same car as The VP of the jockeys assoc. who was never consulted on whether or not a strike should take place. I was riding at the meeting and was never asked for a vote. The President of the jockeys assoc in this state was never asked for his ruling. I’m always one who is in support of the jockeys and their association – but not today. What a disgrace and embarrassment. Damian Miller.
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