CONCERNING THE JOCKEYS' RING

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 139, 9 December 1924, Page 12

CONCERNING THE JOCKEYS' RING

AUSTRALIAN COMMENT.

I "Pilot," of the Sydney "Referee," in I commenting^ on what was written in "The Post". : concerning tho jockeys' ring, says that the trouble is rarely heard of in Sydney nowadays. He continues :— . ■ "Personally, I doubt whether any jockeys' ring could last long. Division of the spoil and jealousy, would lead to dissension. Some jockeys would have to bo on losers much oftener than others, and loss of prestige with owners and fewer mounts would bo the result. A jockey who was not getting much riding would be of little use to a ring, and this would tend to his being dropped by its members. Pique would cause him to talk, and though a- few jockeys might work together for a little while, it would be almost impossible for such a state i of affairs to continue. I

"It is a long iime since a jockeys' ring has been credited witli controlling results at registered meetings in (Sydney, -which is a tribute to tho effectiveness of the stipendiary stewards,' system, notwithstanding there are many people who still contend it has accomplished little. Jockeys of pre-stipendiary i stewards. days tell, a different tale. At tho same time we occasionally hear that this or that jockey is under the dominance of someone apart from his employer, and there have been occurrences lending colour to such statements. On tho whole, however, supporters of registered racing in Sydney have little cause -for complaint against jockeys. Reversals of form are sometimes puzzling, but it must be kept in mind that on our smaller courses luck—or, otherwise—in running is' pften a great factor in results.. ' ■ -' '■•" - "If all we hear is correct, jockeys will take greater risk at country than' at metropolitan meetings in this State. But still: there is always the possibility of exaggeration. Melbourne racegoers • are keen on sensations, but though down there it is believed that some jockeys can always get a,little assistance if it is considered desirable a dangerous opponent should be hampered, there ias been no mention lately of the existence, of an actual jockeys' ring. "On reeding the New Zealand comment someone may bo tempted to ■■ remark: 'I thought nothing of that sort could happen in countries where .racecourse betting is confined to the tdtalisator.'. But there is a-lot of betting apart from the totalisator in New Zealand aid leaving that out of the question, the owner, trainer, or jockey who inclines to crookedness will act up to his character no matter whether the totalisator or bookmaker is the medium of speculation. , •