Jockeys join the criticism of Farm

RACING Queensland has no plans to transfer upcoming meetings away from Eagle Farm as jockeys throw their weight behind the trainers’ push to get answers over the troubled track.

Eagle Farm has again become the biggest talking point in Queensland racing after revelations that an industry crisis meeting had been called and some trainers had insisted the track be torn up for the third time.

The Australian Trainers Association sent an email, written by ATA Queensland representative Cameron Partington to RQ bosses outlining how the track, which was first closed for renovations in 2014, had again reached a point of “immediate concern”.

With the Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival about to take centre stage, Eagle Farm doesn’t have another Saturday meeting until February 6 but hosts three consecutive Thursday programs from next week.

RQ said track assessments were done every week but there was no intention to transfer any meetings from Eagle Farm.

Queensland Jockeys Association representative Glen Prentice said jockeys wanted answers over the troubleplagued track, just like trainers.

“Every jockey is supportive of the trainers on this issue and we back what they are saying,” Prentice said.

“The main problem as far as the jockeys are concerned is the track is soft and loose on top but it is hard underneath.

“It has meant that some horses simply don’t have the confidence to let go on the track.”

Several trainers also privately threatened to not race horses at Eagle Farm until the track was fixed.

The meeting between RQ officials and stakeholders over the track issue has been scheduled for the week after Saturday week’s rich Magic Millions day to be held on the Gold Coast.