Vic jockeys gain an increase in riding fee

The pay dispute between Victorian jockeys and the governing body is over with the state’s riders to get an increase effective immediately.

The Victorian Jockeys’ Association and Racing Victoria finished the 2017/18 season, which coincided with the end of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, on Tuesday in a stalemate leading jockeys to take action by refusing to talk to the media for pre and post-race interviews until a new deal was reached.

That media ban has now been lifted after Friday’s announcement of a new EBA.

Under the new agreement the fee per ride for jockeys in flat races rises from $200 to $211 for the first year while riding fees for years two and three will be finalised before the beginning of those seasons.

The riding fee for jockeys in jumps races goes up $15 from $435 to $450.

“We’ve negotiated an outcome that benefits all 170 of our members and are satisfied that the new Riding Fee Agreement recognises the contribution that each and every one of them makes to the success of the industry,” VJA executive officer Matt Hyland said in a statement.

“It has been the collective view of the directors and our members that every rider, from the premiership winner to the country jockey, is as important as any other to the industry and that they should be treated equally, which has occurred.”

The VJA pushed for an increase in riding fees to reflect the added workload of jockeys because of the increase in night and twilight meetings.

Both parties have agreed to work together with other stakeholders to review the working week.

“We are really pleased to have reached a fair and reasonable outcome that balances both the wishes of our jockeys and the needs of the broader industry, and I thank the VJA for their professionalism and dedication to our sport,” RV chief executive Giles Thompson said.

“Our jockeys are highly skilful, committed and brave athletes who make an important and valued contribution to the success of Victorian racing. We want to attract and retain the best jockeys in Victorian racing and the Riding Fee Agreement, along with our broad range of support services, enables us to do that.”

VICTORIAN JOCKEY RIDING FEES FOR 2018/19

Flat riding fee $211 (up from $200 in 2017/18)

Flat trial fee $105 (up from $100)

Jumps riding fee $450 (up from $435)

Jumps trial fee $135 (no increase)

Picnic riding fee $110 (up from $100)

Engagement fee $211 (up from $200)

Minimum riding allowance $100 (no increase)