Queensland jockeys have today earned themselves a higher riding fee after Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) confirmed a pay rise will come into effect on July 1, 2011.

RQL chief executive officer, Malcolm Tuttle, has verified that the riding fees will increase from $147 to $160 per ride on 1 July this year, while a further increase to $165 per ride will become effective as of July 1, 2012.

The agreement reached with Queensland’s branch of the Australian Jockey’s Association (QJA) also stipulated that the barrier trial fee will be set at 35% of the new riding fee.

Mr Tuttle also told of a settlement reached on the topic of workers compensation cover, and the cost related to it.

“As a result of working closely with the QJA president Glen Prentice, we were able to reach an agreement on this issue,” he said.

“RQL is now able to look forward to strengthening its working relationship with the QJA in establishing a career benefit fund for riders in Queensland.”

QJA president, Glen Prentice, said the agreement reached was the result of several weeks worth of negotiations.

“RQL was prepared to provide a significant amount of information to members of the association to ensure we comprehensively understood their position,” Mr Prentice said.

RQL chairman Bob Bentley highlighted the significance of this pay rise in a time where the industry is tightening its financial position.

“Pressures are emerging in a range of areas and this outcome is both fair and equitable, enabling the industry to move forward and conduct race meetings with the necessary level of certainty,” Mr Bentley said.