Queensland jockeys will meet later this week to consider an offer by the state's administrative body for an increase in riding fees.A snap meeting by jockeys at Doomben on March 12 delayed the race meeting as they rejected an offer by Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) for increase from $147 per ride to $152.On Monday, RQL approved an increase of around 16 per cent over the next two years beginning with a rise to $160 from July 1.RQL chairman Bob Bentley said it was a best and final offer on behalf

Queensland jockeys will meet later this week to consider an offer by the state's administrative body for an increase in riding fees.

A snap meeting by jockeys at Doomben on March 12 delayed the race meeting as they rejected an offer by Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) for increase from $147 per ride to $152.

On Monday, RQL approved an increase of around 16 per cent over the next two years beginning with a rise to $160 from July 1.

RQL chairman Bob Bentley said it was a best and final offer on behalf of the racing industry.

Queensland Jockeys Association president Glen Prentice said riders would discuss the offer during the week.

"We haven't accepted it as yet. There are some issues related to WorkCover that need to be addressed," Prentice said.

"It will probably take until Thursday before we can get all jockeys from around Queensland together by telephone conference."

Victorian jockeys earn $169 per ride and NSW riders $160.

Bentley said Queensland already spent more than any other state in terms of a percentage of the money earned from the TAB.

"When it comes to jockeys' riding fees we already spend the most in the country (7.14 per cent) as a percentage of TAB distribution," he said.

"This new offer elevates that to around 7.98 per cent as compared to 4.93 per cent in Victoria or 5.92 per cent in New South Wales.

"This is a strong offer in the face of challenging times with wagering turnover for the traditional pari-mutuel product in decline, legal debate continuing over race information fees, ageing infrastructure and weather complications to name a few.

"But there is no pot of gold and the board has gone as far as it can in terms of increased benefits for riders without reviewing other funding streams including prizemoney."

Bentley confirmed the board of RQL would continue to contribute to the cost of workers compensation which is currently $2.3 million annually.