Racing’s biggest names respond to plans for a global jockey circuit to be brought to life

Some of racing’s most influential figures weigh in with their thoughts on the proposed global jockey circuit.

Peter Vlandys (top left), Aaron Morrison (top right), Chris Waller (bottom left) and John Kanga (bottom right) respond to the proposed global jockey league

Legendary trainer Chris Waller says a new franchise-based global jockey circuit would be “like Formula 1 racing coming to town” and influential racing boss Peter V’landys insists it is a giant step towards better promoting racing’s greatest athletes.

Racing powerbrokers have reacted to the worldwide jockey racing league with excitement and the Melbourne Racing Club is one of the potential host venues “definitely keen to be involved.”

Racenet on Monday broke exclusive news of how 12 of the best jockeys in the world – including huge names like James McDonald, Zac Purton, Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori – had been signed up for a new franchise-based global circuit.

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Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys feels the new league has huge potential.

V’landys says racing has missed a trick by not promoting its jockeys better.

“Our jockeys pound to pound are possibly the greatest athletes in sport,” V’landys told Racenet.

“We have never promoted them to the level of other sports and that is a mistake that needs to be rectified.

“This initiative is a giant step in correcting this and will provide the justified profile in the community to our unique personalities.”

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Peter V'landys says racing has never promoted its athletes to the level that other sports have. Picture: Richard Dobson.

Founders John Ferguson and Lachlan Fitt believe the funky new competition could bring a fresh audience to the sport.

It has been pitched to racing clubs across Australia and there is a view it could appeal to existing and new audiences, if executed well.

Waller is a fan.

“It’s a great concept and, if marketed well, could generate serious interest in horse racing and returns on wagering and participation would benefit greatly. It would be like Formula 1 racing coming to town,” Waller said.

“Working with some of these big-name jockeys over the years has been a real privilege.

“It’s shown me first-hand just how talented they are and why they’re the best.

“This series would be a fantastic way to showcase Australian racing to new audiences, and it would inspire young riders and kids with big dreams to see these stars live in our own backyard.

“Owners and trainers would jump at the chance to be involved — it has the potential to be the next big thing in racing if done right.”

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Chris Waller has lauded the new jockey series as a “great concept”. Picture: Getty Images.

Forward-thinking MRC boss John Kanga told Racenet: “The Melbourne Racing Club is a progressive and innovative club, committed to ensuring racing remains a pre-eminent sport not only in Victoria, but globally.

“We are definitely keen to be involved and support ideas that elevate the profile of our sport.

“Any contribution we can make, we’ll genuinely consider.

“Naturally, this would need to align with the framework of Racing Victoria and have the backing of industry participants, but we welcome further dialogue and the opportunity to help shape racing’s future on the world stage.”

MRC chairman John Kanga says his club is “definitely keen to be involved” in the new racing league. Picture: Jason Edwards.

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison could see the potential of the series, as long as it didn’t compromise the racing pattern.

“It’s an innovative idea that could appeal to both existing and new audiences if well executed, but it will be fundamental to ensure that it is complementary to our existing major events as well as the pattern of feature races in Australia,” Morrison said.

“We understand that the organisers are focused on that, rather than being disrupters.

“It’s an interesting concept that we’re keeping an eye on and are certainly keen to learn more about as it continues to take shape. At a high level, its ambition is to promote and grow the profile of the sport and of our participants, which is something we’re all striving to do.”

Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison says the jockeys’ league is an “innovative idea that could appeal to both existing and new audiences if well executed.” Picture: Racing Photos.

As the concept grows legs and bidding for host events starts, Perth Racing has expressed a keen interest.

“The concept is something that really captured attention when presented to Perth Racing and Racing WA – as similar ventures have been mooted in the past, but none has ever secured full buy in of the jockeys, who are absolutely the key to making this work,” Perth Racing CEO James Oldring said.

“The appeal of seeing the very best jockeys in the world compete against each other has been proven by concepts such as Ascot’s Shergar Cup and HKJC’s International Jockeys’ Championship – and it’s a sensational list of riders compiled as founding team principals.

“We are in no doubt as to how competitive it will be to secure one of these events, but it’s absolutely something we’d be keen to explore further.”

Originally published as Racing’s biggest names respond to plans for a global jockey circuit to be brought to life