KEY POINTS:
Jockeys in New Zealand are powerless to stop the influx of their Australian colleagues into this country, senior jockey David Walsh says.
Concerns have been voiced that New Zealand jockeys may lose income because of the arrival of New South Wales jockeys who are unable to ride at home because of the horse flu.
One of the visiting Australians, Jay Ford, was successful aboard Platinum Elle at Ellerslie yesterday. He, Patrick Ferris and Ryan Plumb are already in New Zealand, while Tye Angland, Kathy O'Hara and Peter Wells are due by the end of this week.
Expatriate New Zealander Greg Childs is also about to return, to ride Railings in the Kelt Capital Stakes at Hastings this Saturday.
Walsh said that while he would not like to see too many more Australian riders arrive, the present situation was manageable.
Race commentator George Simon said on Racing Retro yesterday that the Jockeys Association should have been more active if it was opposed to the Australians coming here, but Walsh said he had spoken to chief stipendiary steward Cameron George and was told they could not prevent the visitors even had they wanted to.
"As long as they follow the biosecurity regulations, there is nothing to stop them. As long as local trainers put them up, they will be coming," he said.
Walsh said it might make matters tough for jockeys who didn't get many rides, but it was a competitive world.
"If you get replaced on a horse because another jockey comes along, well that happens anyway. I haven't lost a ride since they arrived, but it will no doubt happen. You just have to take it like a big boy, it's swings and roundabouts in this game.
"You can't blame connections for wanting to get the best they can get, and if someone from Australia comes who they consider is better, then I guess that's the way it is.
However, he said, he would hate to see another 10 to 15 riders from Australia arrive, because that would be counterproductive for them, as well as the local jockeys.
"That is really stretching it; there won't be enough rides for everyone then, including them."
Walsh said he had not witnessed any antagonism towards the Australian jockeys.
"I have not seen aggro towards them. They are good riders, well educated and nice people and in many cases, they have family to support."
Some Australians could consider the southern South Island as an option. At the Riverton trials in Southland last month, only two licensed jockeys were present. Four trainers rode horses during trial events.
- NZPA
