A STRIKE OF JOCKEYS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 955, 25 June 1908, Page 5

A STRIKE OF JOCKEYS.

The latest thing in the way of strike comes from Rockhampton, the city of sin, sweat and sorrow, where according to the “ Town and Country Journal,” it was the method adopted by the jockeys to remedy a grievance they had against the starter. It appears that the official acting at the barrier had occasion to inflict fines to the amount of £lB on the riders taking part in the first race on the third day. The jockeys refused to pay and went on strike. The committee then called the starter before them, and he not only refused to remit the fines, but stated that if the committee did so would not again perform the duties of starter. The committee, it was reported, remitted the fines, and a Mr. A. S. Thompson filled the position of starter for the rest of the day. No doubt the committee acted, in their opinion, for the best, but it is very certain that they in the future can hardly expect to keep control of their affairs as they should. On some other occasion the “boys” may think

that they are not being treated fairly, when they will again assert their autiwrity over the club officials. If riders went on strike at Randwick, Flem- — their engagements with the owners, the’-result .'-woffid be 'easily - they inlght possibly find that on next licensing day the club failed to recognise them, or they might be disqualified, thus their riding career would be brought to a conclusion. Race officials have to be very firm if they are to rule racing. If jockeys are to have their way, then the sooner the gates are closed the better for everyone.