NEWS
California may tie ADW rights to jockey media rights
Posted: Monday, November 21, 2011 2:16 PM
by Frank Angst
The decision by Churchill Downs Inc. to halt “media rights” payments to the Jockeys’ Guild could prove detrimental to its profitable advance-deposit wagering operation TwinSpires.com in California.
The California Horse Racing Board during its regular meeting on November 17 postponed a scheduled decision on renewing the license of TwinSpires and two other ADWs that operate in the state, XpressBet.com and Television Games Network, until it could review the support of each to jockey health and welfare.
That decision followed a statement from attorney Barry Broad, on behalf of the Jockeys’ Guild, questioning why Churchill-owned TwinSpires should be allowed to operate in California following a decision to halt $330,000 in payments to support jockey life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and temporary disability benefits at its four tracks.
“This corporation has acted completely irresponsibly with regard to the jockeys,” Broad said. “This is aggressive cost-cutting on the backs of injured jockeys.”
Brad Blackwell, a vice president with TwinSpires, said the decision to cut the payments from Churchill-owned Arlington Park, Calder Race Course, Churchill Downs, and Fair Grounds should not be tied to an ADW licensing decision in California. But the Guild clearly had a sympathetic ear in CHRB Chairman Keith Brackpool.
“This board … will do whatever it can to protect the welfare, safety, and well-being of jockeys,” Brackpool said. “If that means we look to good corporate citizenship as one of the tests, then that’s one of the tests we’re eventually going to look to.”
The board decided to table any decision on licensing of the ADWs until its regular meeting on December 15. Brackpool said during that time the board also would consider the responsibility of TVG, which does not own racetracks. XpressBet.com is owned by The Stronach Group, which owns racetracks that include Santa Anita Park in Southern California and has agreements with the Guild.
Tracks have long made the voluntary payments as part of a handshake acknowledgement of jockey media rights fees. Although tracks have not specifically acknowledged jockeys should be paid for their appearances on simulcast broadcasts, they have made the payments and the Guild has not pursued the issue.
Blackwell said while Churchill decided to discontinue the payments, its tracks all carry $1-million policies for on-track injuries and those expense are paid in full by the tracks. He said all four tracks are accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance and subject to ongoing review of safety practices.
“Churchill Downs Inc. does take care of its jockeys at each of our facilities,” Blackwell said.
Broad said all California tracks make the Guild payments. He said allowing Churchill to operate its ADW in the state after ending the payments at the tracks would not be a consistent policy. Brackpool largely agreed.
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable voting to approve your license in the absence of an agreement to provide the kind of insurance coverage the people of California believe jockeys deserve and should get,” Brackpool said.
Frank Angst is senior writer of Thoroughbred Times
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Alfredo, Bakersfield, CA on November 23, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Twin Spires should have their feet held to the fire on this issue. Jockey's are one of the most neglected groups of atheletes out there. Boxers and jockeys have a lot in common. For every one that makes it; 100 are just getting by.
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Posted by: Donald, HAYWARD, CA on November 22, 2011 at 08:30 PM
The job is flat out dangerous. The benefits derived by all in this industry justifies all jockeys being covered with an excellent health care package paid by the industry. There should be a minimum number of mounts within a period of time in order that health care benefits go to those who deserve it.
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Posted by: Darren, Woodland Hills, CA on November 22, 2011 at 03:54 PM
The idea that alot of these jockeys are multi-millionaires is preposterous. The reality is that very few are elite money earners and the job is extremely dangerous so they earn every penny. Our wagering dollars should support the injured as without their risks we would see know joy or rewards for our entertainment dollars. In fact, without jockeys, there would be no horse racing.
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Posted by: tami, tempe, AZ on November 22, 2011 at 02:57 AM
A lot of these jockeys are multi-millionaires and can afford to pay their own premiums just fine.
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Posted by: Matthew, Los Angeles, CA on November 21, 2011 at 03:43 PM
The jockies know the risks when they enter the starting gate. They should pay their own premiums, or have their own insurance policies. Why should my wagering $$ pay for it?
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