The Jockeys' Guild has reached an agreement with the Kentucky HBPA and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association on a mount fee increase effective Nov. 29, 2023, opening day of the Turfway Park Holiday Meet.
The mount fee schedule calls for a minimum fee of $125 at all Kentucky racetracks, including Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Ellis Park, Kentucky Downs and Turfway Park. This agreement also provides for $500 minimum fee in races with purses of $1 million or more.
“On behalf of our members who ride in Kentucky, I would like to thank the Kentucky HBPA and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association for working with the Guild to reach this agreement,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of Jockeys' Guild.
“Special thanks to Senator Damon Thayer, for his assistance in reaching this agreement,” added Meyocks. “Without his support, it would not have been accomplished.”
“I was pleased to advocate for a pay increase for the jockeys,” said Sen. Damon Thayer, Majority Leader of the Kentucky Senate. “Those who risk their lives every day at our tracks should be paid a fee commensurate with Kentucky's position of having the top purses in North America. In particular, I would like to thank trainer Dale Romans as a leader in the KHBPA, for facilitating in reaching the agreement and to Commissioner Charlie O'Connor for his role at the Commission in moving forward with the adoption of the new regulation.”
“The agreement for the mount fee increase, along with efforts to continue to increase the purse sizes through historical horse racing and provide for incentives for the Breeders, is yet another example of the continued support of Senator Thayer, as well as David Osborne, Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives, to make the Kentucky racing and breeding industry the best in the world,” said Julien Leparoux, Co-Vice Chairman of the Jockeys' Guild. “On behalf of myself, and all jockeys who have made Kentucky their home, we greatly appreciate their efforts.”
On October 4, 2023, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's Rules Committee passed a unanimous motion recommending this scale to the full Commission for consideration and anticipated approval. Once approved by the KHRC, the proposed amendment to the administrative regulation will be filed with the Legislative Research Commission to follow the rule making process and allow for written and public comment. The Agreements with the Kentucky HBPA and the KTA will remain in effect until the regulation has been formally adopted, which will likely be in 2024.
“The Guild would also like to thank Jamie Eads, Executive Director of KHRC, as well as Chairman of the Rules Committee, Commissioner Charlie O'Connor, and the other members, for their consideration and support,” said Meyocks.
About The Jockeys' Guild: Jockeys' Guild, Inc. is the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States. It was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 1,050 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment, obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys. For more information about the Guild, visit www.jockeysguild.com or www.facebook.com/jockeysguild
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