World-class jockeys vie for licences

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Published: 12:00am, 21 Apr, 1995

Updated: 12:00am, 21 Apr, 1995

THE Jockey Club has an embarrassment of riches in relation to world-class riders seeking three-month licences next season.

'It is going to be very difficult for us. We must keep the standard up, which is relatively easy with the quality of the riders interested, but we also must think about keeping things fresh,' said Director of Racing, Philip Johnston, yesterday. 'We do need changes from time to time, rather than simply having the same faces again.' The problem for the Jockey Club lies in the period between late November and the end of February when world-class northern hemisphere riders are keen to get their passports stamped for Hong Kong.

With Pat Eddery, Walter Swinburn, Gary Stevens, Darryll Holland, Gerald Mosse and Richard Quinn all keen on gaining contracts, it is easy to see how tricky things are going to be for the Licensing Committee of the Jockey Club.

Said Johnston: 'In the case of Gary Stevens, if he wishes to come back for three months rather than a season, it would be a help if it could be at another time. American racing is not quite so inflexible as England as they race year-round there.' Meanwhile, a consortium led by Hong Kong money went wild at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sales which concluded yesterday.

Domeland Pty lashed out an incredible $10 million during the three-day duration of the sale, dominating yesterday's session with 10 purchases which totalled $5.8 million to go with three expensive yearlings bought on Wednesday night. The consortium is headed by a group of Hong Kong and Macau-based businessmen who, along with a few Australian-based investors, support the former Macau handler Kevin Connelly.

The Irishman has made a successful start to his training career in Australia, landing once notable 100-1 coup which had the Aussie bookies running for cover.

Yesterday, Domeland's top purchase was a Bletchingly colt for $1.1 million though the night before they went to fully $2.25 million for a Sir Tristram colt, leaving themselves by far the biggest aggregate spenders.