Racing Victoria remains committed to ending jumpout war between jockeys and trainers

Recent talks have broken down, but Racing Victoria remains committed to finding a solution in the dispute between jockeys and trainers over payments to ride in jumpouts.

Jumpouts have become a problematic battleground for Racing Victoria in recent weeks.

Racing Victoria remains committed to helping parties find a solution to the jumpout riding fee dispute despite the matter exploding into open warfare on Tuesday morning.

The Australian Trainers’ Association released a press statement featuring scathing criticism of Victorian Jockeys’ Association chief executive Matt Hyland and board member Damian Lane.

The VJA subsequently sent out a message to its members recommending they return to riding in jumpouts at Melbourne’s major training centres while they consider other options.

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RV issued a statement indicating it would continue to help facilitate the negotiations between the parties, which broke down after seemingly nearing an agreement late last week.

“Racing Victoria has been actively working over several weeks to bring key stakeholders together and provide an opportunity for the parties to resolve the jumpout matter collaboratively,” a Racing Victoria spokeswoman said.

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“Our role has been to facilitate these discussions, supporting the parties in their efforts to reach a mutual agreement and providing analysis of potential solutions.

“We understood the parties had been close to reaching agreement in recent days however it appears this is no longer the case.

“We remain committed to working with the parties to help them reach a resolution.”

Jockeys are demanding to be paid a fee for riding in jumpouts at Melbourne’s training centres. Picture: Getty Images

Ultimately, RV would need to adjust the sport’s finances to accommodate the jockeys’ request, which both sides agree would cost more than $1m per year.

The jockeys and trainers’ groups have suggested RV program more official trials, which would ensure jockeys are paid $110 plus superannuation per ride, but that would only be a part solution.

RV subsidises official barrier trial fees, keeping the cost to owners and trainers at $220 per runner, half of the price of entering a horse to trial in Sydney.

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Racing’s governing body would also need to weigh up the effect any changes would have on other stakeholders before finalising the way forward.

“We acknowledge the wide range of views expressed across the industry, which highlight the complexity of this issue,” RV’s spokeswoman said.

“We also understand and appreciate the potential cost impacts for other industry stakeholders, including owners, and the overall implications upon the affordability of racing.

“While adjustments to the official trial model have been explored as part of a potential solution, it is worth noting that RV already heavily subsidises official trials to help manage the cost to owners and trainers.

“Any change in the number, mix and cost of official trials will require a further review.”

Originally published as Racing Victoria remains committed to ending jumpout war between jockeys and trainers