Jockey factor and fixing in horseracing
As gambling poses to be the integral part of horseracing, the possibilities of spot-fixing and match- fixing are always there. In this regard, jockeys have a great say as the easiest way for a bookmaker to get a race fixed is to hire a rider.
Unlike other major sports, the issue of fixing is not so prominent in horseracing, but it exists at a large scale. In order to get their staked money multiplied, the bettors approach jockeys who apply some specific tricks during the race to manipulate results.
There can be a number of ways for a jockey to do spot-fixing in the playfield. A rider has bridles in one hand while stick in the other-----these two things hold great importance in race. Thus, he can easily tamper with the both to affect a runner’s performance.
But this is not easy to do as the course stewards keep watching the whole race through hot spot cameras. Here comes the role of the person who is operating a camera. Bookies can bribe him to skip the footages where a jockey does something unusual with the
runner he is riding.
Another important thing that jockeys use for fixing is The Box, an electric device that is used to give shocks to horses during the sprint. This tool helps a rider to increase the speed of his runner in crucial situations. Some sharp jockeys tamper with
this device as well.
So the jockey factor is highly important in race fixing, and some expert bookmakers exploit it very well.
In order to prevent this corrupt practice, the horseracing authorities have formulated a number of protocols. Recently, the renowned betting firm, Betfair, has inked Memorandums of Understanding with various organisations like the Jockey Club, The FA, the
International Cricket Council and the Association of Tennis Professionals. This step is aimed at making the sport transparent.
Despite this, some people say that fixing is a necessary evil in horseracing as long as gambling is there. But, interesting is the fact that gambling and the sport are so closely interlinked that we cannot separate them. Thus, a way of compromise is better.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.Com’s editorial policy.
Tags: