By refusing to be interviewed the jockeys are compromising their sponsors and the punters who provide them with their income. All we ask for is a courteous approach to any problems that may exist, through the channels to which they committed to follow.
Graeme Hawkins – open door for any issues
This was the response from Gold Circle Marketing Executive Graeme Hawkins after an enquiry from the Sporting Post in regard to the conspicuous absence of winning jockeys in the Scottsville post-race interviews on Wednesday.
None of the winning riders gave interviews and a source informed the Sporting Post that this was as a result of an instruction to Tellytrack presenters by the racing operator that jockeys were not to be questioned about the condition of the local tracks.
Graeme Hawkins confirmed that in response to the jockeys so-called dissatisfaction with the condition of the tracks, a meeting had been convened for Tuesday 7 June at Greyville and all of Anton Marcus; Anthony Delpech and Alec Forbes were invited – and apparently confirmed their attendance.
Also invited to the meeting were Chief Stipe Shaun Parker and NHA Vet Roehann Sutherland, as well as trainers Paul Lafferty, Tony Rivalland and Craig Eudey.
Hawkins said that he had represented Gold Circle at the meeting, along with Racing Executive Raf Sheik, CEO Michel Nairac and the Greyville track managers, Ralph Smout and Kurt Grunewald.
Apparently none of the three invited jockeys pitched up for the meeting!
“On phoning them to enquire of their whereabouts, they all claimed that they had forgotten. That would suggest that in their minds the issue is not all that serious or urgent,” said Hawkins.
He went on to say that an inspection of the Greyville turf surface was undertaken by Management and the trainers and all were well satisfied with the condition of the track.
“We have on numerous occasions suggested to the jockeys that we hold regular meetings to discuss matters and concerns of mutual interest with them, as we do with all the other stakeholders. The jockeys have consistently held the view that this is not necessary and have always assured us at Gold Circle that should any grievances arise they will come to us and request such a meeting on an ad-hoc basis. No such meeting has been requested,” he said.
There was no comment on the alleged directive issued to the Tellytrack presenters.
