'It's not the 1800s' - married jockeys unhappy at being coupled in betting

In a week where British racing's dynamite duo Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle announced their engagement, one jockey couple in the US have been stunned to find out how tying the knot will dramatically change their careers.

Trevor McCarthy and Katie Davis enjoyed their wedding day in mid-December but, according to New York State Gaming Commission rules, because they are married their horses must now be coupled in the betting on any race they both ride in.

What is coupling?

Coupling means punters cannot bet on each individual horse, with the two grouped together instead. PMU France (pari-mutuel, the French state-controlled betting system) used to couple or bracket horses from the same stable or in the same ownership.

Davis was unaware of the rule change and believes it should be changed with fears the coupling may deter trainers or owners from using either jockey.

She said: "It's 2021, and you shouldn't be able to stop people from making a living. I told Trevor we need to stick together on this because I wouldn't want my little girl to go through this while trying to make a living.

"Trevor is worried it might affect his business, and if it does it could come down to me choosing to make a living or not, and that's not fair. It's not the 1800s anymore, the rule needs to be changed."

She added: "We're very competitive. We don't give each other a shot. We're both trying 150 per cent when we ride against each other."

Davis has also spoken to the Jockeys' Guild in an attempt to get the Gaming Commission to drop the rule. However, a change can take up to six months.

"I hope the Jockeys' Guild can help us," she said. "Maybe the fans will dictate what happens. The power of the fans and bettors is pretty strong."

McCarthy rode 143 winners in 2020, amassing $5.43 million in prize-money, while Davis rode 40 winners and earned $1.08m in earnings for connections.

Read more:

More joy for Doyle and Marquand as pair end record-breaking year in style

Another coup for Hollie Doyle as rider is honoured with three Lesters

Simon Crisford and son Ed set to break new ground with joint trainers' licence

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets