Opinion: The racing industry needs to embrace new ideas like the global jockey league or risk withering on the vine

Racing writer Ben Dorries says racing needs to embrace new ideas like the proposed global jockey league, not find reasons to reject them.

James McDonald, one of the 12 jockeys signed up for the new global franchise league, pictured riding Via Sistina. Picture: Getty Images

If racing keeps talking to itself, it is in danger of withering on the vine in an endless echo chamber.

Without fresh ideas, innovative concepts and thinking outside the box we would never have seen The Everest, which by any measure has been a stunning success since its inception in 2017.

Apart from The Everest, racing generally doesn’t sell itself but has been blessed that the likes of Winx, Black Caviar and Makybe Diva have all come along since the turn of the century.

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But let’s face it, household names on the equine front don’t come along every day.

Via Sistina is a big name in racing circles, but outside the racing beltway there wouldn’t be a hell of a lot of Australians who know who she is, and certainly not nearly as many as who would know who James McDonald is.

Racing must do more to hero its human headlines.

READ: Ben Dorries' EXCLUSIVE: World's best jockeys to compete in global racing league

The audience that this new global jockey series is trying to attract isn’t rusted-on punters or existing racing lovers.

It’s the new and younger generation, the same type who are being captivated by the Drive To Survive phenomenon in Formula One racing.

"I love it, sure you can poke holes in it but racing spends far too much time talking to itself." @bendorries76 joined @ghall27 on Giddy Up to further explore the Global Jockeys' League.

LISTEN | https://t.co/HbZSgfqFAxpic.twitter.com/Gz2OOrT0uI

— Giddy Up With Gareth Hall (@SENGiddyUp) May 5, 2025

A lot of Drive To Survive viewers probably wouldn’t have a clue about the length of the motor racing straight, the type of vehicles being deployed or what petrol they use.

Many of the viewers of the Full Swing golfing documentary series might not know the difference between a 7-iron and a 3-wood.

But they love the storylines.

Now, imagine 12 of the best jockeys in the world coming to a racetrack near you – or a shopping centre for a promotional visit – in 2026 and beyond.

READ: "The ultimate challenge": McDonald can't wait for test against elite of the elite

Frankie Dettori has signed on. Picture: Getty Images

Yes, the specifics of exactly how it all works – although largely outlined in the exclusive story we broke – need to be ironed out.

That will happen over the next few months, as the bidding process for host cities gathers steam and more details are unveiled.

Man walked on the moon in 1969, but this process has similar complexities given the logistical hassles of getting a dozen jockeys from all around the globe in one place at one time given the riding contracts they have in place.

It’s also no small matter trying to find suitable timeslots given the founders of the new league have made it crystal clear they don’t want to be a rebel competition or cannibalise existing products.

Champion jockey Zac Purton. Picture: AFP

Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne also makes a fair point when she says there should be female riders in the first series.

Organisers insist there will be female jockeys as the league gathers steam, but it is hard to argue with Payne’s sentiments.

However some of the other criticism this concept has quickly received – some from racing people who have probably just seen a tweet or a throwaway line on social media – is not warranted.

There are plenty in racing who seem to be dying to bag any new ideas or fresh concepts. Do the narks and naysayers want racing to be stuck in a time capsule?

So, will this new jockeys league kick off in 2026? And will it work?

A major hurdle has already been jumped, signing up a dozen of the world’s best and most recognisable jockeys who are coming on board with unbridled enthusiasm.

Let’s give it a chance and see where it goes.

Originally published as Opinion: The racing industry needs to embrace new ideas like the global jockey league or risk withering on the vine