Horse racing is slow to leave the gate.
Vernon Race Day was scheduled for Sunday at Kin Race Track, but it’s now been bumped to Sept. 25 because not enough jockeys are available.
“The issue arises as a result of Hastings Track in Vancouver holding its derby weekend and a number of country fairs in the U.S. drawing away some of the usual jockeys that ride at Kin Race Track,” said Ed Woolley, Okanagan Equestrian Society president.
“We knew we had the competing date at Hastings but the number of fall fairs in the States and the effect this had on our usual American riders caught us off guard. Upon doing the math, we realized we were going to be short jockeys.”
A total purse of $31,000 will be up for grabs Sept. 25.
“We’re hoping the extra money draws more horses for the last race date of the 2011 season,” said Woolley.
