Race for Straddie jockeys
TRAINERS are scrambling to engage jockeys for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap because of coronavirus restrictions on travel.
Weights for the Stradbroke were released on Monday with only five horses allotted more than 54kg, the usual minimum in Queensland.
But the Stradbroke minimum is 49.5kg, meaning most of the final field on June 6 will be weighted from 51kg to 53kg.
Due to coronavirus restrictions it is likely only jockeys based in southern Queensland will be able to ride in the race.
There are only a limited number of jockeys and several apprentices in the area who can ride under 54kg.
Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds was quick to book Robbie Fradd for last year’s runner-up Tyzone, who has been allocated 52.5kg.
“But we also have Winter Bride with 51kg so we will have to start looking for a suitable rider,” Edmonds said.
A Racing Queensland spokesman said the current state border restrictions meant a person from another Australian state or territory would not be allowed to enter
Queensland, unless they received special exemption.
“Any interstate jockeys wishing to compete in feature races in Queensland should apply to Queensland Health to be exempted from the direction,” he said.
“Successful applicants will then be required to undertake a mandatory 14-day selfisolation period before being permitted on to a Queensland racecourse, in accordance with Racing Queensland’s strict biosecurity protocols and regionalised racing model.”
South Australia recently held its carnival with only four Victorian jockeys – who had self-isolated for two weeks – taking part from outside the state.
The problem facing Stradbroke Handicap trainers is securing jockeys who can ride as light as 51kg.
Premier trainer Tony Gollan has switched jockeys for his contenders with Jim Byrne to ride Vega One (52kg) and Mark Du Plessis onboard Outback Barbie (51kg).
“Vega One’s usual jockey Baylee Nothdurft said he would try to get down to 53kg but you don’t want to be overweight in a Group 1,” Gollan said.