British Jockeys Negotiate 3.1% Increase for Mount Fees

British jockeys will receive a 3.1% pay raise this year after an agreement was struck following lengthy negotiations between the Professional Jockeys Association and the Racehorse Owners Association, in a deal that included the involvement of the British Horseracing Authority. The below-inflation deal, which has been ratified by the BHA board, means that from Feb. 1 the riding fee on the flat will go up by £4.89 (US$6.21, £1=US$1.27) to £162.79, while for jumps jockeys the rise will be £6.65 to £221.28. The ROA told its members that the deal followed a "significant amount of discussion and negotiation" between the two sides "over several months" while the PJA said the BHA had been brought in to mediate. PJA chief executive Paul Struthers said: "An increase of 3.1% involved compromise on both sides, and we'd like to thank the BHA for mediating a satisfactory outcome for both parties." Owners' charges, such as contributions to the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme and the 50% fee payable to jockeys in the case of a non-runner, will rise accordingly. However, the ROA has told its members that following an ROA-negotiated reduction in the PRIS surcharge on riding fees to 11% from 13% that came into effect Dec. 1, it would be seeking a further reduction in the rate. The £4.50 per ride paid by owners toward the jockeys' career ending insurance scheme remains unchanged.