The New York Racing Association and the Jockeys' Guild have reached an agreement that will allow racing to resume as scheduled Dec. 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack following a dispute that led to jockeys refusing to ride for most of the Nov. 30 card, resulting in the cancellation of the final eight races.
Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the Jockeys' Guild, said that after a "lengthy and productive" Dec. 1 meeting between both sides, he was looking "forward to the resumption of racing at Aqueduct on Thursday."
The issues between NYRA and the jockeys came to a head Sunday after the first race, after NYRA brought in a one-day replacement for assistant clerk of scales Brian Pochman, who was involved in a dispute with management over his work duties and did not work Sunday.
After the first race, jockey Kendrick Carmouche, with the support of his fellow jockeys, complained about the use of a fill-in for Pochman's job and also raised several unrelated issues, including the rule that prevents family and friends from accessing the jockeys' room, which is a restricted area according to New York State Gaming Commission rules.
A NYRA representative said it has worked closely with the Jockeys Guild this year on that matter to the best of its ability since the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the stewards.
"This was an unfortunate event that impacted the owners, trainers, and bettors who support NYRA throughout the year," Meyocks said. "Today's meeting was an opportunity to turn the page, and we thank (NYRA CEO and president) David O'Rourke and his management team for their willingness to listen to the concerns of our membership and their commitment to a renewed level of communication with the riders. We look forward to the resumption of racing at Aqueduct on Thursday."
Trainer Danny Gargan, who had two horses entered in the cancelled races, said he was "frustrated" by the loss of racing due to "little kids' stuff."
"It's really frustrating that they couldn't sit down and discuss this and work something out on Monday without cancelling," Gargan said. "Some of the things don't make any sense to me. It's a bunch of little kids' stuff. They are not even issues that matter. It's one thing if you cancel because of the weather or track conditions. You don't cancel racing because management can't get along with the jockeys."
The decision to cancel racing came as horses were circling in the paddock for the second race.
Before scratches, 65 horses were entered for the remaining eight races, almost all of which were shipped to Aqueduct and received medications, incurring costs for horsemen.
Though most wagers were refunded, holders of live tickets on the first and second race double received a consolation payoff of $3.23 for each $1 wager on all of the second race horses. The $1 consolation payoff for the Pick 3 of "6 (winner of the first race) with All with All" was $3.33.
