Jockeys in New Zealand are powerless to stop the influx of Australian jockeys 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 in their home state because of equine influenza (EI).
One of the visiting Australians, Jay Ford, was successful aboard Platinum Elle at Ellerslie on Saturday. 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.
Walsh said while he would not like to see too many more Australians arrive, the current situation was manageable.
Race commentator George Simon said yesterday 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 if 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 did not 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 can't blame connections for wanting to get the best they can get, and if someone from Australia comes whom they consider is better then I guess (it's) the way it is."
However, he said he would hate to see another 10 to 15 riders from Australia arrive as that would be counter-productive for them as well as the local jockeys.
"There won't be enough rides for everyone then, including them."
Walsh said he had not witnessed antagonism towards the Australian jockeys. |
