Jockeys at the Lone Star Park Quarter Horse meet, opted not to ride after three races were run at the Grand Prairie, Texas, track on Nov. 11, but no one is saying why.
Track officials sent out a message on a social media channel the evening of Nov. 11 stating: “The jockey colony has elected not to ride in the remainder of tonight's races. Therefore, the rest of the night's card has been cancelled.” Lone Star Park did not elaborate on the reason.
The message was sent after horses for the fourth race were circling the paddock for an extended period of time. Skies were clear, the weather was cool, and the track was fast, so conditions were not an issue.
Safety wasn't an issue, either, according to Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the Jockeys Guild, but he wouldn't identify any specifics that led to the decision for the jockeys not to ride. “There were a lot of variables coming from different avenues that led to frustration and animosity that caused an issue with the jocks,” said Meyocks on Tuesday after he said he took part in a three-hour call that did not resolve the impasse. “We're trying to get it where it's calmed down and resolve it so we can have live racing on Thursday (Nov. 16).”
Meyocks, who said another meeting with jockeys was scheduled, said the situation has been building up over a period of time.
Amy Cook, executive director of the Texas Racing Commission, also declined to offer any specifics. “We are looking to what happened, so I do not have a comment at this point,” Cook said in response to an email sent to her by the Paulick Report.
The Texas Racing Commission has opted out of oversight from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority by not simulcasting its Thoroughbred races out of state. Quarter Horse racing does not fall under HISA authority in any state.
A 10-race card is scheduled for Nov. 16 with a first post of 6:05 p.m. CT.
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