There was uncertainty and confusion among the Wanganui racing fraternity yesterday over plans for industrial action by jockeys throughout New Zealand.
While the Jockeys Association claimed total support for unprecedented action over a pay dispute, Wanganui riders were less sure about what was happening.
And respected Castlecliff trainer Paul Belsham felt the dispute would probably be resolved before industrial action was due to begin on January 1.
"I've heard people talking about it at the tracks but the trainers' association hasn't kept us in the loop," said Belsham.
He said plans by jockeys to delay the main race by 10 minutes at three New Year's Day meetings - Ellerslie, Hastings and Waikouaiti - would "cause inconvenience".
January 1 is one of racing's biggest days of the year, and the $200,000 Blandford Lodge Railway at Ellerslie is one of those targeted as jockeys seek an increase of $10 on their $115-a-ride fee.
The Jockeys Association is also looking at a total ban on riding if it cannot progress its pay claim.
A former jockey himself, Belsham had some sympathy for riders but said the industry was struggling.
"Jockeys have their travel costs and gear to pay for, but their overheads aren't huge. We hardly ever got a pay rise when I was riding," he said.
"The powers-that-be say there's not enough money to go round and we keep getting told to tighten our belts.
"My costs as a trainer keep going up, but you can't just push them on to the owners because, if we haven't got owners, we haven't got any racing. We have to bite the bullet."
Jockeys have gone without a pay increase in recent years due to the sport's financial struggles but in March they put in a claim for a $30 rise. In response, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing offered $3.
The claim is now for $10 and spokesman Hayden Tinsley, president of the Central Districts Jockeys Association, said riders were ready to prove to the public that they would carry through on threatened action.
"I guarantee that I have 100 per cent support from jockeys," he said. "It is up to Thoroughbred Racing to come back with what we want or not come back at all."
However, Wanganui jockeys contacted by the Chronicle were less certain about industrial action.
Renowned rider Lisa Allpress said she had not been to the last jockeys' meeting and didn't know much about it.
Rochelle Lockett, who has been out with injury but hopes to be back in action next year, said she had not voted on industrial action. Neither had apprentice Mereana Hudson. Said Belsham: "I can't see it coming to much. Something will come out of it and it will be sorted out ... I'll watch and wait with bated breath."