A pity jockeys get a pittance

IN Australia they call the Melbourne Cup ‘the race that stops a nation.’ You could say the same thing about the Grand National. It is one of this country’s sporting jewels. Over the next 24 hours or so you will hear a lot about money, particularly about the hundreds of millions being wagered on the outcome of the race. You will not hear a lot about the money the jockeys get for riding in the race, though. Unless they finish in the prize money, like Derek Fox (above) did last year on winner One For Arthur, it will be £169.85, before tax. Life and limbs on the line for our enjoyment for a pittance. It is just as well they cannot eat a decent meal because they could not afford one. It is a labour of love, sure, but, even if it is a one-off payment, surely they deserve more.