The possibility remains that many of the nation's jockeys will ++ stage a walkout Jan. 1 at most of the country's racetracks.
In New York yesterday, The Jockeys' Guild failed to reach an agreement with the Thoroughbred Racing Associations on how much the TRA should pay into a fund that finances the riders' benefits package.
The guild turned down what the TRA, which represents most of the nation's racetracks, had described as its "best and final offer" by a 5 p.m. deadline yesterday. The contract between the two expires Dec. 31.
However, the TRA is keeping its offer on the table and has agreed to extend discussions while the jockeys study alternative ways to raise the money.
The TRA has offered to continue paying the guild $1.7 million a year in exchange for riders' media rights, as well as to double accident and weekly disability coverage.
The $1.7 million payment from TRA-member tracks is used to pay for the jockeys' health insurance plan and is collected by assessing an amount ranging from $2.75 to $4.75 per mount in each live race.
Pending approval of the guild's executive board, the jockeys agreed to the increase in accident and disability coverage, but they still believe the $1.7 million, stipulated in their last three-year contract, is inadequate to acquire what the guild said in a statement yesterday is "decent health insurance and other benefits similar to the benefits enjoyed by most working Americans."
The guild is seeking approximately $9 million, paid for by taking an additional tenth of 1 percent of the mutuel handle, for its health plan.
The TRA has adamantly rejected that idea. "It's not fair to shift the burden of paying for the jockeys' health insurance to the fans," said Chris Scherf, the TRA's executive vice president. He added that such a proposal also would require legislative approval in each of the states where the tracks are located.
The jockeys are studying an alternative plan in which each track would card one race a year in which its share of the betting proceeds would be turned over to the guild.
But, said the guild, "the TRA has expressed skepticism that this plan would generate sufficient revenue."
Though the TRA has extended discussions, "we do want some kind of definitive response from the jockeys well before the end ++ of the year," Scherf said.
NOTES: Four fillies and mares that have been racing at The Meadowlands are entered today in the 14-horse field for the $50,000 Straight Deal Stakes at Laurel. . . . Clarence "Jo Jo" Ladner is flying in from Fair Grounds in New Orleans to ride Mixed Appeal for Israel Cohen. . . . Maryland-bred filly Urbane is set to take on Serena's Song today in the $250,000 Starlet Stakes at Hollywood Park.