Frustrated jockeys not giving up on $$ stance

FRUSTRATED local jockeys do not plan to give up on their stance for unpaid wages from the Arima Race Club (ARC), according to Sheldon Rodrigo, head of the Jockeys Association of TT.

The ARC was forced to suspend local races indefinitely on Saturday, after the jockeys decided to go on strike.

On Tuesday, the ARC is expected to meet with the Jockeys Association and the Trainers Association to discuss this matter.

Rodrigo said on Monday that the jockeys have felt disrespected by the ARC, since they are yet to receive promised fees from as far back as 2019.

“They disrespect us because they dropped the stakes to a low price,” Rodrigo said. “They promised to pay us with the low stakes. They didn’t live up to that.”

Rodrigo continued, “We need some kind of closure. We have been trying for the last three years but they keep promising us and disrespecting us. We can’t take it (any) more.”

If the ARC decides to play hard-ball, will the jockeys look to seek greener pastures abroad?

Rodrigo replied, “We will have to migrate once the borders open. What’s the sense riding and getting nothing? They’re just using an excuse about covid. They dropped the stakes to a low price ($6,000), by 75 per cent.

“Some of the owners provided funding to hold races. They promised to pay the wins (from) the betting. So far, they made a certain amount with the betting, $690,000, and they don’t want to pay anything.

“These (jockeys) were to make this step long time and I keep telling them to hold on. Now I can’t do (anything) about it. We’re fed up. Everything is getting first. We have bills to pay.”

According to Rodrigo, “As we’ve taken this stance, they have to do something. It’s been three years. We know the situation and we going through with it but they have us under pressure. We’re risking our lives on the track every day. It’s like we’re self-employed.”