A stalemate on mount fees between the representatives of the Jockeys’ Guild and the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) is causing significant disruption at Remington Park, with some jockeys boycotting races and negotiations yet to yield a resolution. According to KFOR, jockeys are requesting higher mount fees partly due to new fees imposed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, a federal program.
Race cards for Thursday through Saturday are already drawn up, but the uncertainty surrounding mount fees has led jockeys to withhold their commitment to ride; officials at Remington Park are yet to make any definitive announcement regarding the races, the TRAO has not issued a response as of late Tuesday morning and race cards for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Remington Park hang in the balance – local riders have refused to commit until an agreement on fees is reached, DRF News reported.
Terry Meyocks, president of the Jockeys Guild, has been quoted stating, "There are still other issues that we hope will be resolved as soon as possible, for the good of Oklahoma horse racing and all the participants," an indication of issues beyond the agreed upon $100 mount fee for losing jockeys finishing fifth place or below, as per KOCO.
Joe Lucas, consultant for the TRAO, communicated a firm stand on the ongoing issue, and a certain resilience in face of the jockey opposition, "We’re going to race at Remington Park. Who we race and who we ride has yet to be seen, but we’re going to race," he said; this reflects an acknowledgment of the impasse yet suggests races may continue, albeit with unresolved financial tensions, a stance that was echoed in a KOCO report where Lucas reiterated the races would continue regardless of the boycott.
