In what is being described as an unprecedented move, 25 jockeys at Penn National Race Course for thoroughbreds have reportedly made the decision that they will not ride in any races in which horses owned by Michael Gill are
participating.
An article by pennlive.com explains that the riders' decision came on Saturday, January 23 after a horse, third-place finisher Laughing Moon, collapsed 20 yards past the finish line after Race 5.
"You cannot believe how worried we are for our own safety and the safety of all the horses," jockey Thomas Clifton was quoted as saying afterward. The report cites the jockey as saying that the riders' decision to not participate in races which Gill horses are running comes due to a recent history of Gill's horses falling.
"I tell everybody: They can go to my farm, my barn, they can inspect every one of my horses," Gill was quoted as saying. "I never ask for any special treatment. All I ask for is to be treated fairly."
The article cites horsemen have accused Gill of dangerous, unethical practices with horses which have resulted in a high rate of injuries and deaths.
Click here to the read the pennlive.com article in its entirety.
(With files from pennlive.com)