Mann: jockeys are riding in Grand National for a pittance – pay them £2,000

Jockeys riding in Saturday's Randox Health Grand National should receive at least £2,000 according to trainer Charlie Mann, who has hit out out their current rewards, calling the situation 'crazy'.

Lambourn trainer Mann, who did not enjoy much luck during his spins over the sport's most famous fences during his time in the saddle in the 1980s, believes the money-spinning contest and risks involved involved in it merit a pay rise for riders.

Jump jockeys receive an across-the-board £169.85 riding fee – compared to £124.40 on the Flat – whether they are taking part in a Grade 1 or a selling hurdle.

Those involved in all of the races (except the Foxhunters' for amateurs, who don't get paid) at Aintree this week will collect a double fee for not wearing personally sponsored breeches, but that is down to a commercial deal between the track and Randox Health and is an agreement that dates back to the days when Martell was involved in supporting jump's racing biggest contest.

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Regardless of that, Mann feels participants in the National, which is worth £1 million and will generate upwards of £250 million in betting turnover, should be recognised further.

He said: "Those jockeys are going to go round for £169, but this is a race worth £1 million and one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.

"Everyone wants to ride in the National, but there's something wrong. Each jockey riding in it should get £2,000 minimum. The money they – bookmakers, television – are making is massive and the jockeys are getting nothing."

Donagh Meyler departs in last year's NationalCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Mann, whose Nadover was seventh in Comply Or Die's National in 2008, added: "Without the jockeys you haven't got a show, you've got nothing.

"They're most important people in the race and it's wrong those lads have got to go round for such a pittance. You could put an extra £1,000 on entry fees or take £80,000 from the prize-money, which isn't a lot out of £1 million, and pay jockeys £2,000 each.

"It's crazy they're going round for that money. It highlights how underpaid these guys are as sportsman and the general public wouldn't have a clue that that is all they're getting."

So, how much does a jockey really earn?

Jockeys are thought to prefer a flat riding fee rather than a tailored approach, although few, if any, would argue with a one-off increased bonus for the National.

"They're risking their lives and there is something fundamentally wrong with the pay structure, which needs highlighting," Mann said.

"There should be a fund somewhere, from the entry or prize-money, that these lads should get a decent fee for doing.

"Any jockey, especially the young ones, would ride in the race for nothing, but that's not the point. These are the top sportsmen in the world for what we do."

The Professional Jockeys Association were unavailable for comment on Thursday.

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