WE had an interesting email from a prominent racing identity who asked not to be named questioning whether the spouses of high profile jockeys or trainers should be employed as hosts or tipsters by the major broadcasters.
Those that come to mind are Katelyn McDonald, wife of champion jockey James; Grace Hayes, who is married to top trainer Ben Hayes and Stephanie Thomson, wife of top Queensland jockey Ben.
The email read: ‘Surely these women don’t need the money. The question has to be asked are they depriving more needy others of a job because of their profile? More importantly is there not a conflict of interest with them tipping in races where their husbands are riding or training?”
LGHR sees no problem with the role played by this trio but understands the predicament it must place them in on occasions.
Katelyn (formerly Mallyon) was a top jockey in her own right, is a terrific host and a great coup for the Seven Network coverage.
Grace was a good judge long before she joined the Team Hayes team and Stephanie (former jockey Thornton) not only tips plenty of winners but she is also a pleasure to watch and obviously does her homework.
As an aside Jenny Chapman worked as a paddock and form analyst for Channel 7 and 10 in Australia, before her long stint in Hong Kong racing where her opinions are highly respected. She and partner David, a prominent bloodstock agent operate Price Bloodstock which races dozens of horses in Australia and has achieved over 1,000 winners. The HKJC is stringent in its Rules and sees no conflict with what Jenny and David do.
