And I have my opinions, for what these are worth. Firstly, I have not spoken to John or to Justin or to anyone else, for that matter, on the subject. I only know what I have read here, today.
1) It seems that the outcry here is based upon the skin colour of the two riders and also that the so called "demand "of John Freeman was based upon skin colour.
2) Perhaps John did not "demand" as much as simply request consideration to the rider change.
3) Perhaps John was doing what, say, an academy master would do. He is on the School board down there. After all, the very nature of John's involvement down there is about transformation and assisting previously disadvantaged persons.
4) Maybe the one work rider is not long term and maybe the other is. Examples being weight, ability, age etc. We dont know, do we?
5) During last year's jockey's title race, good friends and allies of both Anton and Anthony made extra opportunities available for them. The difference here, in this thread, is skin colour, "black replacing white "
6) A few weeks ago, Piere didnt have a ride in a race in which I had a runner, from which I needed top class feedback. I asked Piere first and then changed riders.....
7) I have huge respect for Justin and, indeed, for the Snaith racing family. I dont believe that they would be bullied. I put my money on Justin having good reason for the change and agreeing to the request.
To me, we could be looking for something that isnt there and we should let it be.
For the record, I am a supporter of transformation and upliftment for the previously disadvantaged in Racing. At present, for instance, I am lobbying for grooms names to be included in the racecard, with every runner. Whether your horse costs R1000 or R10 M, the horse cannot -
1) Groom itself.
2) Saddle itself.
3)Work itself.
4)Go to the races on its own.
5)etc
6)etc
The GROOM does all of that. Let's recognise that, at least !
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