Jockeys in Mumbai have deliberately stayed away from the morning track work to press their request for accommodation within the racecourse premises. Trainers were left to make do with the services of riding boys to work their horses, an important exercise in getting the thoroughbreds in shape for their respective campaigns. With the season having just begun and the important races not far ahead, this is a development that needs to be addressed and dealt with promptly.

Speaking to indiarace.com, jockey PS Chouhan, President of the Jockey’s Association of India, stated that the Club has been dilly-dallying on the issue of providing living space for jockeys within the Club’s premises despite several requests.

“Renting a home in Mumbai is an expensive proposition and most jockeys are not financially healthy to cope with the exorbitant and rising rents in the city, said Mr Chouhan. “Rents for houses in the vicinity of the racecourse are far higher than the means of most of the jockeys, hence we had requested the club authorities to intervene and look after the interests of those professionals deserving this facility from the club’s side. Mr KN Dhunjibhoy, former Chairman of the Club along with prominent owner Mr Vijay Shirke had scouted around the premises and we did manage to identify two or three feasible locations to make a ‘dormitory-type’ accommodation that could house around 15-20 boys”.

“A gesture of this sort would go a long way in mitigating the financial stress borne by the not-so-well-off jockeys, and these lads are also integral part of the racing fraternity. However, the club has not moved in this direction, and with rising costs each year, it is becoming tougher for these lads to make ends meet,” said Chauhan.

“The inaction from the club’s side has made us take this unfortunate step. We now hope that the club views this step in its right perspective and hastens to end our hardship” concluded Chouhan.  

Mr Vivek Jain, Chairman of the RWITC in response said “The jockeys should have shown restraint and not resort to intimidatory tactics by stopping riding work, as has been reported.  Jockey P S Chouhan had personally assured me that. One must understand that it is not the club’s responsibility to provide accommodation. However, we are open to look into the matter and it is for the stipendiary stewards and the officials of the club to have a dialogue and inspection to arrive at a conclusion. The officials have been under pressure at the delayed start of the season as well as managing the arrival of horses, and JAI must appreciate that.”