Variable Covid mandates hold key to Willie Pike’s riding future

The Wizard of the West will resume riding as normal this week, but only for a short window.

Willie Pike will be back in action at Ascot on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri–Getty Images

Changes to WA Government laws will open a small window for star jockey William Pike to resume riding as normal this week after his controversial Covid vaccination stance saw ruled him out of last Saturday’s Perth Cup meeting.

However, further changes to Government mandates from next month will still likely force the ‘Wizard of the West’ to effectively become a part-timer.

Overnight Pike, and other racing participants in the state who remain unvaccinated were given the green light, for the time being, to work at all racing meetings without proof of vaccination.

That is provided they remain in areas such as mounting yards, parade rings and horse stalls while wearing face masks. Patrons however must show proof of vaccination

It will allow riders like Pike, who has still been able to ride at meetings where less than 1000 people are in attendance, to ride at Ascot on Saturday.

But further changes under WA’s Safe Transition Plan will make proof of vaccination required for all events with more than 1000 people in attendance from February 5, which would likely rule out participants from Saturday or major race meetings that draw a larger crowd.

It comes as Pike stands firm on his controversial vaccination stance that drew national headlines last week and forced him to forgo his ride in the Perth Cup on New Year’s Day at Ascot.

Star jockey William Pike had to miss the Perth Cup. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Midnight Blue, the mount Pike was booked for, went on to win the $400,000 Group 2 feature with Patrick Carbery aboard.

The 15-time Group 1 winner has since spoken out on the issue, his only public statement, when opposing Government mandates via an online video with Freedom Media WA.

“I suppose at one point they were touting a digital passport just so you can get into restaurants and whatnot. It‘s how the future’s going to be they say. Well I don’t see how that can be acceptable,” he said.

“You want to go to a restaurant and have a nice meal, why should you have to worry about giving out all your details?“
“For me as an athlete as well, health implications definitely have a play in it.

“The vaccines came around really quickly, how did it get here so quick? I just had questions and it doesn't feel like we’ve had the time to digest it and take it all on board in an intelligent way.”

Pike has expressed his desire to keep riding as a career but admits he may be forced into retirement if Covid laws don’t change.

He will partner three horses at Belmont on Wednesday and has four rides on Thursday at Pinjarra, where he rode a winning double on Monday.

In what will be an interesting scenario under the mandated rules coming into effect on February 5, how will the 1000 patron cap be managed should participants and patrons hit 1001, and how is it predetermined when the raceday cap is expected to exceed 1000?

There are sure to interesting times ahead for racing in west.

Originally published as Variable Covid mandates hold key to Willie Pike’s riding future