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Grant Jockeys Increased Riding Fees in Ontario Scale Comparable to That Now in Effect at United States Tracks TORONTO, pnt., May 13. Jockeys at Ontario tracks have been granted an increase in riding fees. When the provincial branch of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association convened at the Royal York Hotel here last night, they accepted the revised scale set by the Jockeys Benefit Society. The increase gives the riders a scale comparable to that prevailing at tracks in the United States. Commencing with racing as of May 13, the scale covering races which carry a minimum purse of ,500 is 0 for a winning mount, 0 for second, 5 for third and 5 when unplaced. In races where purse values are of ,000 and upward, the new scale calls for 0 to the winner, 5 for second, 5 for third and 0 if unplaced. Where the minimum is less than ,500, the former scale of 5 for first, 5 for second, 0 for third and 5 for finishing unplaced will prevail. As a precautionary measure against any reduction in purses being necessary, a scale covering prize money of 00 and lower was adopted. The fees in this category are 5 for a winning mount, 0 for second, 5 for third and 0 if unplaced. Over 00 and under ,000, the rates will be 5, 0, 5 and 0. Jockey Eric Barber, president of the Ontario Jockeys Association, addressed the meeting and the increase in fees was passed without any dissenting views. Vincent J. Sheridan, president of the Ontario branch of the HBPA, was in the chair and when he called for nominations to the board of directors, 20 were named to stand for election, with two declining. The full complement of the board comprises 11 members. The president will be selected by the directors. - Elections will be held at the three local tracks, at Long Branch on May 20, Dufferin Park, May 21 and at Woodbine on May 22. Members standing for election are: Vincent J. Sheridan, James Cowan, Charles Hemstead, Harry Addison, Frank Doughty, Arthur Halliwell, Benjamin Steen, Harold Mezen, Ralph McFarlane, John Starr, Frank Veale, James Fair, William Edmis-ton, Paul McGarry, Douglas Marks, Joseph Monoghan, Robert Hunter and Gordon McMacken. The meeting voted against the request of the western Canada division of the HBPA to terminate the award of 5 per cent, granted by the Ontario government to breeders of horses foaled in this province. The western group proposed that the 5 per cent, be deducted from all first money won by Canadian-bred horses. The Ontario Racing Commission had studied the proposal and decided that the horsemens group should make the decision. The present eligibility rules for racing in Ontario was under discussion and during the evening it was intimated that consideration was being given to a change which would permit horses owned by Ontario residents who won at a ,500 claiming price last year to start in races. Fire hazards were discussed and racing associations will be asked to conduct fire drills in the stable areas to test and determine the extent of protection needed for horses against fire. A request will be made to starter Douglas Haig that owners of two-year-olds being schooled for the first time in the gate be permitted to break the juveniles from the gate with the doors open.
