Penn National, After 2 Fatal Breakdowns, Jockeys Decide not to Ride

[Echo Farm]

Riley's Buddha in the first and My Dazzlin Darlin in the second, both 3 year old fillies.

http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbP...&RACE=A&BorP=B

JOCKEYS DECIDE NOT TO RIDE AFTER TWO RACES

GRANTVILLE, PA… Tuesday night’s live racing program at Penn National Race Course came to an abrupt half after two races when the jockeys voted not to ride out the card.

“The jockeys came to us and said they felt that the track was too hard after they rode in the first two races”, said Rob Marella, Director of Racing Operations. “We quickly met with our track maintenance crew, walked the track, and we felt that the track was fine for racing”.

The management team was then joined by a quartet of riders for another walk over the racing surface, but the jockeys continued to express displeasure with the conditions.

“We don’t understand the decision by the jockeys. Unfortunately this decision affects all of the horsemen, our fans who support the industry with their wagering, and our employees.”

http://www.pennnational.com/headline...74439841.shtml

If it hadn't been for the Jockeys who stood up for what was right, more horses (and jockeys) could have been killed or injured. There was no mention of the horses in the article on Penn National's website. I guess they're expendable. The track management should be held accountable for their reprehensible behavior in their wanting to keep the track open. It was based, in my opinion, on pure greed.

[The Bid]

Rileys Buddah was bumped about 10 yards from the wire causing the breakdown. I wouldnt say that was caused by the condition of the track. In any event if the track was indeed poor they needed to cancel.

[saucon17]

This is typical Penn National. It's never their fault it's always the jockeys and trainers for the reason they cancel. They need to do a complete overhaul of the racing surface. In February they only ran 3 days and cancelled the rest because they did not adequately prepare the racing surfaces for the winter weather in Feb.. To me it's obvious they don't care about the welfare of the horses and jockeys.

[sumitas]

This is yet another episode in the reprehensible track conditions down at Penn. They should be sued and forced to install poly or shut down that facility for good.

Chalk up yet another one for PETA.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by sumitas

This is yet another episode in the reprehensible track conditions down at Penn. They should be sued and forced to install poly or shut down that facility for good.

Chalk up yet another one for PETA.

Or they could just put down a safer and better cushioned dirt track.

[sumitas]

Penn has proven they cannot maintain their dirt surface. Time has hopefully run out on them. Pa. should mandate all weather for all their tracks just like Cali did.

[saucon17]

Originally Posted by sumitas

This is yet another episode in the reprehensible track conditions down at Penn. They should be sued and forced to install poly or shut down that facility for good.

Chalk up yet another one for PETA.

The problem is they care more about the opening of there slot
casino then their racing side of their company. You should see
how bad Philly Park treats their racing fans since they got their
slots up and running. Complete opposite of Delaware Park which
tries to promote their racing product. I'll rather drive another 40
mins to Del Park, then going to Philly Park