Picture: Chase Liebenberg.
The are a few who have felt for a long time that jockeys hold too much power in SA racing and have been able to dictate terms, while others have felt that repeat offenders in causing interference in races have not been deterred by standard penalties for offenses and therefore needed to be given cumulative punishment.
Therefore, it could be a pleasing outcome that the jockeys involved in last week’s Hollywoodbets Durbanville meeting have been forced, after absorbing a finely constructed letter by Greg Bortz, to eat humble pie and apologise for their reaction to some stern action by the NHA.
The Sporting Post received the following letter for publication:
The Coastal Jockeys Association, on behalf of all jockeys that participated in the jockey work stoppage action at the Hollywoodbets Durbanville race meeting on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, would like to issue an unreserved apology to all stakeholders for our inappropriate actions, including owners, trainers, grooms and, of course, Cape Racing.
We are especially sorry to all owners who were on-course on the day.
Our actions caused significant embarrassment and harm to a sport we love so much and a sport from which we are fortunate to earn a living.
We also understand and appreciate that our industry is dealing with significant financial challenges, and we cannot and must not take our opportunity for granted.
While our emotions ran high on the day, this is not an excuse. We know better. And commit to doing better going forward. We will learn from this.
We do have issues we wish to resolve, but we realise there are better, more constructive means of doing so. We intend to seek guidance from the support structure around us to ensure we tackle any problems constructively and positively.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have supported us and shown us kindness and understanding over the last week, despite our actions.
In particular, we need to extend a special thank you to Greg Bortz, the Chairman of Cape Racing. He was understandably upset with our actions but has been understanding, available, helpful and supportive throughout.
It is because of this emotional support and understanding, together with the enormous financial support and generosity of Hollywoodbets, enabling us to continue to benefit from this industry, that we are confident in our future. And we, the jockeys, intend to play a positive, constructive role in helping take our sport to the next level going forward.
Thank you.
Coastal Jockeys Association – statement published on Monday 31 March 2025.
