TRAINER RAINS ON STRIKE PARADE
THE partner of the only trainer to nominate for major races in Queensland on Saturday says they had been bullied by officials for the decision they made in the interest of a struggling Townsville Turf Club.
Cherrie Lindgren was the only trainer in Queensland to buck the trend of boycotts, nominating Beautiful Love and Wakool to race in her home city.
Lindgren’s strapper and partner Craig Foley said they had been bullied by racing officials for their decision they made in the interest of the Townsville club.
“It’s a big race day in Townsville,” Foley said.
“About $10,000 to $20,000 probably gets injected into the club – which is struggling at the moment – from the local community.
“In relation to the strike, we are not part of the jockeys and trainers association because we don’t believe in unions.
“We believe that the jockeys should be paid more, without a shadow of a doubt, because it’s a dangerous industry and we respect every one of the jockeys who go out every day and ride for us and everyone else.
“But in relation to trainers joining the band so they’re paid equally with NSW and Victoria and to get paid down to 10th, we don’t necessarily agree with that because what other sport past third place do you get a prize?”