ARIMA Race Club (ARC) officials claim that it is a retrograde step to return to the old system of one-hour declaration for jockeys.

The Trainers’ Association and owners have been calling for the re-introduction of one-hour declaration of jockeys in a bid to get away from allegations that certain jockeys are involved in “fixing” races.

Last week, the association met to discuss the proposal and are suggesting two hours to declare jockeys which, they believe, could give riders less time to plan races, since they would not know in advance what are their mounts on a race day.

The trainers also want entries to close on Monday (instead of Wednesday) and final declarations two days later.

They are even suggesting that if jockeys are declared, trainers should be allowed to change a rider two hours before the race without having to pay a fine ($250).

There is a perception among punters that there is no integrity in racing, which has forced many of them to abandon the sport over the past few years.

“All for Jesus,” is what jockey JODY ARNEAUD is
saying as he looks up to the heaven after winning
aboard Island Runner on Labour Day. Owner
DIANE SCOTT and her husband PIERPONT
SCOTT lead in the gelding to the
winners’ enclosure.

Owner RUSSELL RAMSAMMY (left) leads in Baby
Mass, with jockey RAJPAUL RAJKUMAR in the
saddle, into winners’ enclosure. The horse
is trained by EMMANUEL MILLER.

Trainers claim that this move could restore confidence among punters and alleviate rumours that make the rounds in the paddock every week about a “much” race, “ducking” and jockeys involved in a gambling ring.

Just last week, British jockey, Kieren Fallon, a six-times champion, along with six others were charged with race-fixing in England.

Owners insists “race-fixing” should be made a criminal offence here in Trinidad.

However, ARC president Gerard Ferreira said he is yet to receive the recommendations from the trainers’ association.

He feels that this idea of two hours declaration can affect the exotic bets (pick 2 and pick 6) which punters play early on a race day.

He said punters use jockeys as a guide to pick winners and this could affect advance wagering.

The association wants the ARC to supply them with figures of advance betting in the exotic bets which they argue are minimal (about $2,000) on a race day.

Trainers have also taken a decision to enter horses for turf only (TO) and when the race is shifted to the main track, the horses would automatically be ineligible to race.

Sources claim that the contractor who designed the turf track advised the ARC that horses should not use “stickers” because that type of shoe can damage the track.

Trainers want to use “jar-chalks” a special horse-shoe (not stickers) for when the track comes up on the soft side.