Jockeys will receive a long-awaited pay increase from 1 February 2021 with flat riding fees going up to $160 from the current $145.23 (GST excl).

In making the decision New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) considered the fact that riding fees had not been increased since August 2018 and also took into account prior consultation with the NZ Trainers’ Association, NZ Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’ Federation, and the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

The increase in riding fees is across the board, with the rider engagement fee going up to $80 from $72.61 and jumps race riding fees moving to $220 from $197.10.  A full list of the increases can be found here.

 NZ Jockeys’ Association National President Dave Taylor welcomed the increase saying the organisation appreciated that NZTR and other stakeholders had recognised the need for a pay rise for jockeys.  

“Our members have been lobbying for an increase in their riding fee for some time now and, we believe we have been very patient as the industry has worked through a period of change and the disruption caused by Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdown period,” Taylor said.

Aligned to the pay increase was a reminder from NZTR to jockeys that there is an expectation that they fulfil obligations around media and communication with owners.

“Jockeys have an important part to play in the promotion of our industry and, as such, they do need to be aware that a component of their role is to make themselves available to undertake interviews and assist in raising the profile of themselves and the industry overall,” NZTR CEO Bernard Saundry said.

The increases will remain in place until the end of the 2021-22 racing season.