Jockey Protest Leads to Aqueduct Cancelling Nov. 30

The New York Racing Association was forced to cancel the final eight races of the nine-race card Nov. 30 at Aqueduct Racetrack due to a protest lodged by the jockeys resulting in their refusal to ride. Following Race 1, jockeys expressed a concern regarding the duties of the NYRA clerk of scales and assistant clerk of scales. Despite the efforts of NYRA management, the jockeys refused to ride and have abandoned live racing on Sunday at Aqueduct. "NYRA is responsible for oversight of the clerk of scales, assistant clerk of scales, and all racing officials in accordance with New York State Gaming Commission rules," said Andrew Offerman, NYRA senior vice president of racing and operations. "The procedures employed by those officials are designed to protect the integrity of racing and are NYRA's responsibility to maintain and enforce." The jockeys expressed no objections to the condition of the track or weather. Aqueduct Racetrack will remain open for simulcasting, and online wagering is available through NYRA Bets at NYRABets.com. Live racing is scheduled to resume Dec. 4 at Aqueduct with an eight-race card. First post is 12:40 p.m. ET.