News and preview: Horse Racing Ireland are facing some critical negotiations in an attempt to stop possible serious disruption to Saturday night's fixture at Cork.
The head jockeys' valet, Dave Fox, said last night he will not be working at the latest controversial Saturday evening fixture unless negotiations begin over extra pay.
He was speaking at Leopardstown after a Turf Club Appeals inquiry into last month's incident at Kilbeggan where the valets threatened not to work unless receiving extra money.
Last night they were found in technical breach of Rule 272 which deals with the proper conduct and reputation of racing but escaped any penalty.
However, the pay issue continues to rumble and Fox said: "My feelings are very low right now and as things stand I would find it hard to work on Saturday evening."
The valets want negotiations with HRI over an extra payment for working Saturday evenings and the issue takes another twist today with the Jockeys' Association meeting with racing's ruling body.
Those talks will be about a possible fee increase to the jockeys which in turn could mean a solution to the valet issue.
Fox said last night that such a move, or a direct fee from HRI, could be acceptable, but if no solution is found by Saturday there may be chaotic scenes at Cork.
The valets are crucial to the quick turn-around of jockeys between races and serious time delays were being forecast yesterday if the valets strike threat is carried out.
In the background to all this is another potential landmine for HRI with the Stable Staff Association awaiting the outcome of the valets dispute before deciding if they, too, will be looking for an extra fee for working Saturday evenings.
There are no such problems at Tipperary tonight where the handicapper has given an indirect tip in the three-year-old handicap. The topweight Lamberto carries a 5lb penalty in this for winning by six lengths at Gowran on Sunday but has been raised 18lb in future handicaps and looks ahead of the game here.
Another handicap good thing could be in the mile and six handicap where the smart hurdler Aine Dubh goes off a comparatively low mark. Quick ground could be a concern, however, and instead the option may be the ex-Dermot Weld Naahil who ran a nice race behind Blue Away last time and has Jamie Spencer on board this evening.
Whatsgoingonbob is preferred to the Tralee winner Mister Euro in the handicap chase while Star Performance can justify a 110 rating in the Beginners Chase.
