Pressure is expected to mount on all racecourses to provide a free meal for stable staff following the commitment on Wednesday by the Jockey Club to do so at all 15 of its tracks. George McGrath, who leads the stable staff union, greeted the news by saying: “The hard work starts now, with ARC,” referring to Arena Racing Company, the racecourse group which controls a third of the fixture list. “Traditionally they’ve not been so quick to put their hands in their pocket.
“This process began at our AGM two years ago, when the staff made it very clear they felt they ought to be provided with a meal when they take a runner to the track,” McGrath said, noting that jockeys, stalls handlers, ambulance staff and reporters have been able to take free food for granted for years.
“Obviously there are financial constraints on everyone,” McGrath added, “but I’m delighted the Jockey Club realise the importance of stable staff and have acted on it rather than just paying lip service. I’m hoping that, with subtly applied pressure and reasonable arguments, other courses will also see the value in doing this.”
Ascot, Chelmsford, Chester, Bangor and York have all been giving a free meal to each member of stable staff on their racedays for years. York are also giving out free ice creams to stable staff this week, as well as a hamper to those whose horses win. Newbury’s officials neither sought nor received any applause when they introduced free meals two months ago and were slightly surprised to see how much good PR the Jockey Club was able to get on Wednesday for following suit. Goodwood has been considering the logistics of introducing the same policy and is expected to do so next year.
“ARC have said it’s something they would look at,” McGrath said. “They say they want to provide good quality food and don’t feel in a position to offer that for free. They do subsidise the stable-staff canteens. But one free meal for each member of stable staff should not be beyond any racecourse. I’d like to think that, by next year, everyone will be building it into their budget that they have to provide a free meal for stable staff.”
Sam Cone, ARC’s PR manager, said: “We don’t have any plans to introduce free meals. However, our catering for stable staff is subsidised and we’ll continue to make sure we offer the food people want when they’re working, at a fair value.”
Newcastle 1.30 Charava 2.00 Island Flame 2.30 Amadeus Grey 3.05 Daafr 3.40 Weather Front 4.15 Poet’s Society 4.50 Amazour 5.20 Kylie Rules (nb)
Newmarket 1.40 Happy Odyssey 2.10 Starlight Mystery 2.40 Prevent 3.15 Hateel 3.50 Choco Box 4.25 On The Warpath 5.00 Bacacarat 5.30 Diamond Lady
Nottingham 2.20 Swiss Pride 2.50 Extra Elusive 3.25 Midnight Meeting 4.00 Tahreek 4.35 Tallinski 5.10 Kingstreet Lady 5.45 Kilbaha Lady
Leicester 5.40 Captain Lars 6.10 Nayef Road 6.40 Biotic 7.15 Bowler Hat 7.50 Choral Music (nap) 8.20 Swissal 8.50 General Brook
Hamilton 6.00 Four Kingdoms 6.30 Port Of Leith 7.00 Semana Santa 7.35 Desert Fire 8.10 Duck Egg Blue 8.40 Desert Ace 9.10 Mujassam
Tips by Chris Cook.
