New York Horsemen and Jockeys’ Guild Reach Agreement on Mount Fee Schedule

[Wandering Eyes]

The Jockeys’ Guild and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association have reached an agreement to increase the losing mount fees for jockeys at the NYRA tracks, it was announced Wednesday. It is the first change in the losing mount fee schedule for NYRA’s riders since 2008.

The new fee schedule, which lines up with the new NYRA purse distribution, will be launched for the Saratoga meet that opens July 20. NYRA purses are divided as follows: 55% for first, 20% for second, 12% for third, 6% for fourth, 4% for fifth and 3% divided from sixth through last.

“Through what were highly constructive negotiations with the Guild, we were able to reach what we believe is an equitable arrangement for the NYRA riders,” NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum said. “We all know the risks that the riders face on a daily basis, and we are fortunate to have such an elite jockey colony in New York.

“We are also pleased to announce that, as part of the deal, NYTHA will underscore our commitment to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund,” Appelbaum continued. “Since 2014, we have contributed $1 per mount, which has totaled around $17,000 a year. Going forward, we will guarantee a $20,000 annual donation to the PDJF.”

New York’s horsemen also donate $5 per start to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and NYTHA contributes $300,000 a year to the TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD Thoroughbred retirement programs. Starting with the 2018 Saratoga Meet, NYRA’s riders will donate $1 per mount to the PDJF, and $1 per mount to TAKE THE LEAD.

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