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‘Human Error’ Behind Filly Named With Racial Slur; BHA To Review Naming Process

A filly racing at Wolverhampton this Saturday ignited social media when fans recognized her name as a racial slur, reports The Guardian. The offensive name was apparently an innocent mistake made by her owner, Emma Evans: the filly is sired by Bungle Inthejungle and was named “Jungle Bunny” in reference to a child's computer game called Jungle Bunny Run.

The filly has since been renamed Jungle Bells.

Two hours after the filly's race, the BHA wrote on Twitter acknowledging that the name was “deeply offensive and should not have been permitted. It was not picked up by the team responsible for filtering names. This is a human process and this was a human error.”

The British Horseracing Authority plans to review the process by which it approves racehorse names after the racial slur slipped by the naming committee.

In addition, a BHA spokesperson said: “We reiterate the apology that was issued after the horse ran. Racist language is not tolerated in our sport, whether intentional or accidental. We are opposed to racism and prejudice in all its forms and are committed to making British racing an open, diverse and inclusive industry that is welcoming to all.”

Jockeys’ Guild Annual Assembly Focuses On Crop Use, COVID-19 Challenges

The Jockeys' Guild held its Annual Meeting sponsored by TVG/Betfair virtually this year on Dec. 8, 2020. The Guild and its members continue to be appreciative of the working relationship with TVG/Betfair and its unwavering support of both the Jockeys' Guild and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund. The virtual meeting was attended by active jockeys from around the country.

The highlights included a riding crop discussion and update with regards to the various state regulations and track house rules which have been adopted this year. Co-chairmen John Velazquez and Mike Smith led a discussion with the riders from the various states where new riding crop rules have been implemented. The jockeys voiced their concerns and input regarding changes that have occurred with racing, as well as their ongoing fears with regards to the safety issues created by the restrictive use of the riding crop. It was noted that the Jockeys' Guild has and will continue to talk with regulators, industry participants, and stewards, to seek a fair, equitable national riding crop rule for all racing jurisdictions.

John Von Stade, of Accelerated Growth Partners, made a presentation to the members regarding a potential opportunity to provide exposure for the jockeys. The ideas and possibilities would be similar to those being provided to other professional athletes and the leagues through the use of social media and online platforms. This opportunity will potentially provide horse racing fans an insider's perspective that is interesting and entertaining.

As with the case in most aspects of life, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the racing industry and, in particular, the jockeys. In order to assure that racing is able to continue in the safest manner possible, riders were advised on the current updates to the COVID-19 protocols, recognizing that the protocols vary from state to state and racetrack to racetrack, with changes occurring frequently based on updated recommendations from the CDC, as well as the local health departments. It was reiterated that jockeys and/or their agents need to make sure they are up-to-date on each track's current protocols before they make plans to ride at a specific track.

The members were also provided an update on the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (“PDJF”). Like so many other non-profit organizations, COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on the customary fundraising efforts. However, with the continued support of committed and generous donors, as well as many of the individual jockeys who make contributions, some funds have been received in order to continue to provide the ongoing support of those catastrophically injured jockeys who rely on the assistance of the PDJF. It was announced, based on the hope of lessening of COVID-19 restrictions next year, the organization will launch a major initiative in 2021.

The members were updated on the Jockeys' Guild app which will enhance communication between the Guild and its members. The Jockeys' Guild budget and financials were also presented.

The riders in attendance re-elected John Velazquez and Mike Smith as co-chairmen, Ricky Ramirez, Julien Leparoux and Javier Castellano as Vice-Chairs, Joel Campbell as treasurer and Rodney Prescott as secretary. Joe Bravo and Alex Birzer were re-elected and Drayden Van Dyke was newly elected to the board of directors.

Additionally, the Guild announced that 27 members have been elected to the organization's senate, who are elected by fellow members of the Guild, with nine from each of the three regions. Among other responsibilities, the senate determines the levels of dues and assessments and selects the board members. Senate members are elected for a two-year term and were formally inducted during the virtual meeting. The elected senate includes the following individuals:

Eastern – Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Mike Luzzie, Irad Ortiz Jr., Jose Ortiz, Trevor McCarthy, Edgar Prado, Sheldon Russell, John R. Velasquez, Junior Alvarado (Alt.)

Central – Robby Albarado, Alex Birzer, Joel Campbell, Jon Court, Tyler Gaffalione, James Graham, Julien Leparoux, Deshawn Parker, Rodney Prescott

Western – J Martin Bourdieu, James Flores (QH), Eddie Garcia (QH), Juan M. Gutierrez, Flavien Prat, Ricky Ramirez (QH), Mike Smith, Drayden Van Dyke, Michael Ybarra, Eduardo Nicasio (QH – Alt.)

“The Guild sincerely appreciates the work and support of the previous Senate members and looks forward to working with the newly elected members,” said Terry Meyocks, president & CEO of the Jockeys' Guild. “As the organization that provides a voice for the jockeys, it is necessary that we have dedicated jockeys who are actively involved in the Guild working for the benefit of all jockeys.”

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Charles Town Classic, Oaks Will Again Be Held On Same Program In 2021

Following up on its successful August card which saw the Charles Town Classic (G2) and Charles Town Oaks (G3) run on the same day for the first time, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races will once again showcase its two graded stakes on the same program in 2021, following approval by the West Virginia Racing Commission at its Tuesday morning meeting.

The $800,000 Charles Town Classic and $400,000 Charles Town Oaks will headline the action on an Aug. 27 card that will include 9 stakes races totaling $1,850,000 in purse money. The Friday night card on Aug. 27 will get underway at a special first post of 5:00 P.M. EST.

Run for $600,000 in 2020, the Classic received a purse bump of $200,000 for 2021 while the Oaks received the same increase up to the $400,000 level for next year. The three unrestricted stakes on the Classic night undercard – the Russell Road, Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon and Robert Hilton Memorial – also received $50,000 hikes to $150,000. Four West Virginia-bred stakes, each worth $50,000, round out the stakes lineup.

The four West Virginia bred stakes on Aug. 27 will be just four of 16 state bred stakes worth $50,000 each at Charles Town in 2021 with the first coming on April 17 when older fillies and mares take the track for the Original Gold Stakes run over Charles Town's two-turn seven furlong distance.

The signature event for West Virginia-breds will take place on Oct. 9 as the West Virginia Breeders' Classics take center stage for its 35th renewal. The purses for the races comprising West Virginia Breeders' Classics XXXV will be announced at a later date.

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British Horseracing Authority Suspends Jockey 56 Days For ‘Absurd Exhibition’

A disciplinary panel at the British Horseracing Authority handed down a 56-day ban to conditional jockey Callum McKinnes on Friday, reports the Racing Post, for his ride aboard World Trip at Hereford in October. The mare finished fifth of 11 in the novice hurdle event.

“The panel has found Mr. McKinnes's breach of the riding standard required by the rules to be deliberate rather than the negligent breach he admitted,” read the panel's report. “It was behavior aggravated by his untruthfulness both before the Hereford stewards and before this panel. If he had ridden normally, there is every reason to think that World Trip would have improved her placing and finished fourth. Instead he rode in a way that brings racing into disrepute.”

During the hearing, it was alleged that McKinnes rode below the standard required by rules between the second-last and last hurdles, as well as for a large part of the finish. Asked to explain his “very exaggerated style” in those locations, McKinnes claimed he was riding normally; the panel revealed the jockey later admitted that to have been a deliberate lie.

The panel's report calls the ride “an absurd exhibition,” and added: “There can be no doubt that his conduct was deliberate, even if unexplained.”