For the first time in a week there was the sound of hooves thudding against turf on a British racecourse on Wednesday. There were not as many hooves as normal, perhaps, since an unknown number of jumping horses have not had a booster jab against equine flu in the last six months, a strict requirement for every runner as the sport emerges from self-imposed quarantine after flu outbreaks in Newmarket and Cheshire. But it was still competition and a much-needed chance to earn a wage after a six-day suspension.
Many of racing’s employees are earning only when the action starts. Most jockeys are paid by the ride and their valets are self-employed as well while, if there are no horses to bet on, the on-course bookies have no punters to service.
Written by Greg Wood
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/feb/13/horse-racing-flu-suspension-returns-wages under the title “Relief and rewards as hooves hit the turf at Plumpton after flu suspension | Greg Wood”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
