Late Start at Aqueduct Sunday Following Employee Dispute

Riders and valets at Aqueduct delayed the start of Sunday's card by 14 minutes after refusing to saddle and ride because of a dispute with management over the status of a jockey's room employee, according to DRF Sunday.

Valet Harry Rice told DRF that Fernando Rivera, who works in the jockey's room as a part-time valet/laundry person, was asked by NYRA not to come in Sunday. To offer some context, Rice explained that Rivera is close to having enough hours to join the union, which would make him eligible to receive benefits.

Sunday's races went forward following the slight delay after NYRA agreed to call Rivera to work.

Rice said the valets agreed to work Sunday, “but we want it rectified for when we come back,” Rice told DRF.

Racing in New York will resume Dec. 27.

Union 814, representing the valets, have been working without a contract since December 2023.

In response to Sunday's delay, NYRA issued, “NYRA has negotiated in good faith with Local 814 for the last year to reach a new contract with the jockey valets,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said. “Today's delayed start was the result of an action taken by the jockey valets to impact live racing at Aqueduct. As always, NYRA is focused on reaching an agreement rather than needless provocations that could negatively affect racing participants and the wagering public.”