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NZ Truth, Issue 1030, 22 August 1925, Page 10

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Jockeys Dislike New Rule At the Racing Conference last month the delegates .decided that m future jockeys would not be allowed to carry any weight about their bodies. The new rule which came into force at the beginning of the month has not met with general satisfaction — m fact it is highly unpopular. Every horseman "Truth" has spoken to has been against the new decree. Experienced horsemen point out that a seven pound shot vest makes very little difference, no difference m fact, to a rider, but when that seven pounds has to c go under the saddle there is another tale. ? Take the case of Birkenella last Saturday. He. had 12st 2lb to carry and hjs jockey weighs under 9st. That meant that over three stone of dead weight had to go under the saddle. What chance has a horse, when it. hits a fehce, recovering. And how on earth can a jockey set close to his mount when he has so much dead weight on top? No chance m the world. The rule should be rescinded at the next Conference and one allowing jockeys to carry up to seven pounds about their bodies substituted.