The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) was compelled to abandon the final eight races of Sunday’s nine-race programme at Aqueduct Racetrack following a protest by jockeys that resulted in their refusal to participate. Weather and track conditions played no role in the riders’ decision.
After Race 1, jockeys raised concerns regarding the responsibilities of the NYRA Clerk of Scales and Assistant Clerk of Scales. Despite intervention from NYRA management, the jockeys declined to ride and suspended live racing on Sunday at Aqueduct.
“NYRA is responsible for oversight of the Clerk of Scales, Assistant Clerk of Scales and all racing officials in accordance with New York State Gaming Commission rules,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President of Racing and Operations. “The procedures employed by those officials are designed to protect the integrity of racing and are NYRA’s responsibility to maintain and enforce.”
Jockeys’ Guild representative Kendrick Carmouche, a prominent rider on the NYRA circuit, informed Daily Racing Form that jockeys felt disrespected by track management and referenced multiple instances, including Sunday’s incident when NYRA officials dismissed assistant clerk of scales Brian Pochman.
While the specific reasons for Pochman’s dismissal remained unclear, Carmouche stated NYRA was demanding he perform duties beyond his designated role and that he was uncomfortable with the additional responsibilities.
“Now they’re trying to put other people in his spot to make the races go and that’s just going to make things worse because they don’t know what they’re doing,” Carmouche said.
Pochman, who also serves as NYRA clocker, confirmed his dismissal but declined further comment. Offerman stated he had not been terminated.
