Coonan outlines problems facing jockeys Andrew Coonan today outlined the tough situation facing jockeys due to the recent cold spell, which has seen Irish racing halted since January 2 and the prospect of no real improvement in the coming week. “When jockey's are not riding they are literally not earning,” said the Chief Executive of the Irish Jockey's Association on RTE Radio this afternoon. “The Flat boys are currently sunning themselves in Dubai and several places like that, and texting back how great the weather is!” He added: “With no racing, it's the equivalent of a guy in an office being told he will not get his wages at the end of the week. Thankfully a lot of work has been done within the industry to set up a fund for jockeys since Shane Broderick was paralysed.” “The foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 was the last time that racing was suspended for a significant amount of time and jockey's can get some support through a hardship fund which they contribute to through prize-money they win on the track.” However Coonan indicated that there is not a bottomless pit of money available to the fund, and an extended period without racing would hit many riders hard.
