NEWS
New scale of mount fees for NYRA jockeys
Posted: Saturday, March 08, 2008 3:49 PM
by Myra Lewyn
Jockeys at the New York Racing Association’s three tracks will benefit from a new scale of mount fees beginning next month under an agreement between the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Jockeys’ Guild.
Beginning April 2 during Aqueduct’s current meet, the mount fee for finishing below third place in races with a purse of $99,999 or less will be set at $100. The mount fee on races above $99,999 will remain at $105.
The new $100 fee effectively doubles the lower end of the previous mount fee scale. In races with a purse of less than $15,000, jockeys received a $50 fee for a losing mount. For races with a purse between $15,000 and $24,999 the fee was $55, and the fee rose to $65 for races with purses between $25,000 and $49,999. Riders received $80 for races with purses between $50,000 and $74,999 and the same for races with purses ranging from $75,000 to $99,999.
Aqueduct’s meet concludes April 27, and the fees will be in effect at NYRA’s two other tracks. Belmont Park opens its meet April 30, and Saratoga Race Course’s meet begins July 23.
“It has been more than 15 years since riders last had an increase,” said Rick Violette, president of the horsemen’s group. “The jockeys were due for an increase, and I am pleased we were able to come to an agreement that is fair to both the horsemen and the riders.
“The NYRA jockey colony is perhaps as good and as deep as it has ever been. We understand the importance of maintaining that quality, and this action underscores our commitment to the entire colony. New York racing is moving forward, and we will continue to work with all parties to provide New York fans with the best Thoroughbred racing in the world.”
Guild National Manager Terry Meyocks said his group appreciated the efforts of Violette and the association’s board on behalf of horsemen.
“Rick and [Guild Chairman] John Velazquez are to be commended for their dedication to coming up with an equitable scale for all concerned parties,” Meyocks said. “John’s dedication to the sport and the mutual respect that has developed over the years among John and the owners and trainers he has ridden for helped make this agreement a reality.”
The mount fee increase was approved by the horsemen’s association board in October, said Executive Director Jim Gallagher.
“We were just waiting for the [NYRA] franchise to be finalized to institute [the new fee],” Gallagher said.
Myra Lewyn is daily news editor of Thoroughbred Times
