Jockeys riding in Queensland have locked in a substantial pay rise to cement their spot as the best payed riders in the country.

Racing Queensland signed off on the deal which will see a 16 percent pay rise rolled in over the next 16 months.

Riders are currently working on a $147 fee per ride which will jump to $160 on July 1 2011.

On January 1st next year that will increase to $165 and then $170 in six months time.

Racing Queensland Chairman Bob Bentley says this increase further highlights his organisations dedication to jockeys in the state, despite less than ideal recent circumstances.

“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,”  Bentley said.

“When it comes to jockey’s riding fees we already spend the most in the country (7.14 per cent) as a percentage of TAB distribution.

“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.”

As part of the agreement the barrier trial payment will increase from 30 to 35 percent of the riding fee from July 1st this year.