Why the Queensland chief steward is giving riding instructions to jockeys at Eagle Farm

Jockeys have specific instructions from Queensland’s chief steward about how to handle their horses at the first day back racing at Eagle Farm which has been out of action for eight weeks.

It’s not every day a chief steward gives riding instructions to jockeys.

But it’s not every day we see a situation like Eagle Farm.

Queensland’s chief steward Josh Adams has sent an edict to jockeys and other racing participants, outlining the “familiarisation process” and protocols to be enforced at Saturday’s first meeting back since jockeys withdrew their services eight weeks earlier.

Adams wrote that no horse would be permitted to race on Saturday without first completing a “mandatory sight” of the construction at the 600m mark at Eagle Farm.

Officials are praying that a $360,000 “sight screen” is the magic solution to the Eagle Farm fiasco and will stop horses shying at the building on the point of the turn.

• Hoop wishes horses could talk about Eagle Farm construction

But a crucial part of the return to racing process is allowing horses to “view” the sight screen and the building on their way to the barriers.

“After mounting, horses will be ridden on the outside of the course proper to familiarise them with the construction and the blue banners located near the 600m mark,” Adams wrote.

“If a jockey encounters difficulties, they must request assistance from the clerk of the course.”

To ensure there are not too many time delays at Eagle Farm because of the new process: “Trainers must saddle their horses as soon as their saddles become available.

“All runners must be presented in the enclosure no later than 15 minutes before race time.

“Jockeys are to be in the parade ring 15 minutes before the race start time.

“All jockeys must endeavour to weigh out in a race in advance to expedite the saddling process.”

• Deadlock over as jockeys give Eagle Farm tick

Queensland’s chief steward Josh Adams.

The deadlock over Eagle Farm ended last week when jockeys agreed to ride there again following a pivotal set of trials.

Group 1-winning jockey Ryan Maloney said the new sight screen, along with cantering the horses past the construction site prior to the trial had the desired results.

Adams said the new protocols for Eagle Farm would be reviewed after Saturday.

“We want to ensure that both horses and riders are fully prepared for the unique challenges of the Eagle Farm track,” Adams said.

“Familiarisation is the key to a safe and successful race day.

“This process is not just a formality, it’s a crucial step in safeguarding the wellbeing of humans and horses.

“We are committed to ensuring that Eagle Farm remains a premier racing venue and these protocols are testament to our dedication to the safety of our participants.”

Originally published as Why the Queensland chief steward is giving riding instructions to jockeys at Eagle Farm