Churchill Jockeys Denied ‘47’ Patch

Jockeys at Churchill Downs have been denied permission by the stewards to ride in the Breeders’ Cup races Saturday with a “47” boot patch that stands for the number of permanently disabled riders nationally.

Jockeys in New York and California will be allowed to wear the patches, but at Churchill the three stewards said that riders “who individually elect to wear the emblem may be subject to disciplinary action.”

Racing rules vary slightly from state to state.

John Giovanni, national manager of the Jockeys Guild, which represents most of the riders in the United States, said that the boot patch doesn’t violate Kentucky racing rules. Giovanni scheduled a news conference for today at Churchill Downs.

“We’re not thinking about closing down the races,” Giovanni said Thursday night. “But we’re deeply disappointed about this. It’s absurd that they not permit these stickers. All we want to do is honor with dignity these 47 former riders and give their lives a special meaning.”

The Jockeys Guild has been in negotiations with the Thoroughbred Racing Assns. to renew their health and medical coverages, which expire at the end of the year. The guild has asked that one-tenth of 1% of money bet be allocated for jockey benefits. The TRA, a trade group that represents about 50 tracks, is expected to offer a counter-proposal at a meeting here Sunday.

Giovanni said that he received an angry phone call from Brian McGrath, commissioner of the TRA, after the guild ran a full-page advertisement about the “47” patches in Thursday’s Daily Racing Form.

“The TRA has rejected (the guild’s proposal) as an unfair $10-million burden being passed along to the fans,” said Chris Scherf, vice president of the TRA. “Regardless of the outcome of these negotiations, the TRA already has secured accident insurance for the jockeys which will be in force on Jan. 1.”

Several jockeys said Thursday at Churchill Downs that they were undecided about wearing the “47” stickers and risking action from the stewards.

“Let’s see what our legal counsel says,” Pat Day said. “If the rules say we can’t wear the stickers, we won’t wear them.”