Pay rise for Queensland jockeys

Queensland jockeys are to get an increase in riding fees taking them to $200 per mount.

It brings them into line with Victorian jockeys who are engaged in protracted negotiations with officials in that state to raise it further.

Racing Queensland chief executive Brendan Parnell said the Queensland Jockeys Association representative Glen Prentice and all stakeholders had acted in a collaborative way to bring about the result.

RQ agreed to the increase after some lengthy behind-the-scenes negotiations.

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“We are committed to increasing our returns to participants in a sustainable way. Over the past 14 months we have delivered an extra $15 million in prize money,” Parnell said.

“Queensland is financially disadvantaged in comparison to southern states. That’s why it’s important we work closely with government on Point of Consumption tax implementation as well as our new commercial plan and the full benefits of the Tabcorp Tatts merger.”

Prentice said the increase was welcomed by jockeys.

“I want to thank (jockey) Larry Cassidy and (jockey rep) Pam O’Neill for their role in achieving this result,” he said.

“Being a jockey is not an easy job but this fee increase means jockeys are paid fairly for the job they do.”