The National Horseracing Authority’s apparent knee-jerk reaction to two jockeys being charged for gambling in a PE betting outlet last year speaks of a lack of a grasp of the realities of the game on the ground by their legal advisors.
In terms of a general amendment to the rules effective on 11 July, jockeys are no longer allowed to enter or visit any registered betting premises.
Tsogo Sun Golden Horse Casino at Scottsville Racecourse
Which in line with the broad definition must be interpreted to include casino’s – and even any café with a slot machine on its premises.
While we accept the principle that a punting jockey could reasonably influence the outcome of a race, this blunt poorly worded implementation of rule 21.3 smacks of nothing more than a desperate and disappointingly draconian attempt to implement what must rank as an unconstitutional and rather impractical lockdown on a jockey’s right to freedom of movement – and ultimately effectively to reasonably promote themselves as sporting professionals.
The rule says:
Without the WRITTEN permission of the SB, no JOCKEY shall enter or visit any registered betting premises where members of the public are able to place any bets or wagers of any kind whatsoever.
The Sporting Post has had calls from angry readers, who have suggested that the rule is laughable.
“Who are the legal space cadets who penned this rule? Have they ever been interested in racing, been in a tote or had a bet – or even tried to get a feel and understand how the game works at the coalface?’ asked one lifetime punter.
Jamaican Music won the July in 1976 under the late Bert Abercrombie. We loved him, says a lifetime punter
Philip Goldberg, known in racing circles as Kingpin, and who has been playing horses for forty years, was one guy prepared to go on record.
“The same issues keep raising their heads. Are these people actually in touch with reality? Jockeys go to totes. It’s like any sportsman visiting a public outlet related to his sport – Graeme Smith at the action cricket arena for instance. Sure we have betting in our case. But if they don’t want them to bet, find a way to control it – don’t mess with the fundamentals, the very spirit of what we do. The difference between those who understand the game and those who wield power and write these silly rules seems as as far apart as love and money,” he said.
Basil Marcus – everybody wanted to shake the champ’s hand
“Love them or hate them, jockeys – and trainers for that matter – are a material component of the excitement and hero worship fabric of the game. They should be treated as assets and encouraged – even paid money – to be at the totes and mingling with punters. Years ago, if we bumped into Johnny Cawcutt, Bert Abercrombie or Herbie Lasker at Lorna Doone or the Continental Café, we’d feel lucky and honoured – and be pumped up to bet. We’d tell our friends. My father still talks about the time he shook hands with the likes of Basil Marcus and Dana Siegenberg. And that was probably forty years ago,” added Goldberg
The new rule must also surely place the question of Bookmaker jockey sponsorships in the spotlight, too.
Betting World and Hollywood are two major corporates who like to use top jockeys on their big race preview panels, which are often held on their premises as marketing events.
After races, jockeys are also often seen mingling with connections in racecourse social areas, where betting facilities are available.
Are they now meant to shower and leave for home?
In terms of the definition, Casino’s are also a no go area for jockeys.
Gambling is part of racing – for some, it is not a vice – it is a part of life.
So a jockey who enjoys visiting a casino, as part of his private life, cannot.
And how does this impact at Scottsville, which is South Africa’s only ‘racino’ and where gambling occurs close on 24/7.
If a jockey wants to ride a gallop during the week at Scottsville, will he technically have to get the Stipes sanction to do so? He could, after all, have a quick spin on the roulette wheel, or play a hand of blackjack.
And then, Pick ‘n Pay sell lotto – so the jocks may have to restrict their shopping to Woolies. And that can get expensive!
