Queensland jockeys may strike over pay dispute

QUEENSLAND jockeys are headed for a potential showdown with RQ as the deadline draws nearer for locking in their set riding fee, with strike action a real possibility.

QUEENSLAND jockeys are headed for a potential showdown with Racing Queensland as the deadline draws nearer for locking in their set riding fee, with strike action a real possibility.

Queensland Jockeys Association president Glen Prentice said riders were staring down the barrel of a $30 deduction in their race riding fee, a scenario they would simply not stand for.

Under the current agreement, Queensland jockeys are meant to have their riding fee boosted to $175 (plus superannuation) on July 1, but Prentice said the proposal as it stood under the Tracking Towards Sustainability plan would see that reduced to $143.

Under the present scale of fees, Queensland jockeys are on a par with Tasmania as the lowest paid in the country.

Premier rider Jim Byrne said jockeys were united on this issue and strike action would happen if RQ could not come up with a figure more acceptable to them.

“It is a skilled profession and we risk our lives every time we go out there,” Byrne said.

“For them to say we are not worth what we are currently getting paid is a slap in the face and we won’t cop it.”

Jockey race and trial fees, plus superannuation, cost RQ roughly $8.5 million per year, with an additional $4.75 million needed for WorkCover and insurance premiums.

Malaguerra sits at the top of the opening market for the Stradbroke Handicap. Picture: Nicole Garmston

MALAGUERRA HEADS MARKET

TAB.COM.AU released its first Stradbroke market on Sunday, with Lee and Anthony Freedman’s Malaguerra the early $6 favourite from Chris Waller’s Japonisme ($9).

Last year’s flop Black Heart Bart is rated a $13 chance after his ripper in the Newmarket on Saturday. Sportsbet are offering a more generous $17 about Black Heart Bart, with Lucky Hussler a $10 chance in their eyes.

SLIPPER DRAW A MAJOR PLAYER

TUESDAY’S barrier draw will have a big impact, but at this point is the gap between Extreme Choice ($2.90) and Flying Artie ($6.50) too big in the Golden Slipper market?

Damien Oliver is adamant Flying Artie can sit closer if he draws a gate, as opposed to giving the stablemate an impossible start.

The Melbourne duo have clearly superior figures to the Sydneysiders, but have to travel and go the reverse way.

With Gai Waterhouse looming as a threat again thanks to Kiss And Make Up and Capitalist tipped to improve sharply, it sets up for a fascinating Slipper.

Originally published as Queensland jockeys may strike over pay dispute