Deal Should Keep Parx from Blocking Jockeys
Image:
Description:
Representatives of a jockeys' group at Parx Racing said Nov. 12 they have an agreement in place that will allow riders who have not signed a new release and waiver of liability to continue to have access to the property.
According to an attorney for the Parx jockeys, officials at the Pennsylvania racetrack had said any rider who had not signed the indemnity agreement, recently circulated by management, by Nov. 13 would not be allowed on track property. Attorney Alan Pincus said an interim agreement has been reached with the track that ensures Parx will not deny the riders access.
Talks on the waiver continue. The next scheduled live day of racing is Nov. 15.
Pincus said he believes Parx cannot deny jockeys or horsemen who refuse to sign the waiver access to the track. He said Pennsylvania law allows license holders access to racetracks unless they have been determined to behave in a way that is not in the best interests of racing.
Some riders already have signed the agreement, but Pincus contends the track's threat of barring riders put them under duress when they signed the agreement.