For
the first time in modern history, a major horse race had to be cancelled at the
weekend because of industrial action by the jockeys.
Sandown
Park racecourse was forced to cancel its weekend meeting when only two
professional riders agreed to take part.
The
walkout was prompted by new anti-corruption rules that outlaw the use of mobile
phones during racing hours.
The
new laws are designed to prevent jockeys passing on sensitive information to gamblers
or bookmakers before the race takes place.
However,
the riders are unhappy with the new restrictions and decided to boycott
Sunday’s race meeting.