Michelle Payne will be allowed to ride in NSW after changes to dual licence policy

[Nergal]

 

Michelle Payne’s “determination and drive” was instrumental in Racing NSW changing its stance on dual trainer-jockey licences.

Racing NSW has approved the introduction of dual licences from January 1, which will allow jockeys to also train horses, but with conditions.

Payne, the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner, was barred from taking a ride in 2016 at Randwick because she held a dual licence in Victoria.

Racing NSW had previously cited integrity concerns for its refusal to permit jockeys acting as trainers.

But chief executive Peter V’landys said Payne played a significant role in convincing Racing NSW to change its policy.

“Racing NSW considers the integrity of thoroughbred racing to be paramount at all times and must be always the first factor satisfied before any change,” V’landys said in a statement.

“Accordingly, the board of Racing NSW received a report which provided confidence that any integrity concerns previously raised, had been addressed by the introduction of LR56.

“Racing NSW received submissions from several interstate dual licence holders, led by Michelle Payne, who explained the benefits of allowing dual licences.

“Racing NSW determined that by allowing jockeys to transition into a training career whilst continuing to compete as a jockey, will provide a sustainable business model for these riders and allow them to continue to have a career within the racing industry.

“Without the determination and drive of Michelle Payne this may not have come to fruition.”

Racing NSW have imposed some conditions with dual licence holders restricted to training no more than five horses and must ride more than 24 times a season, and cannot ride in a race if they have more than one horse.

They also can’t hold a dual license for more than five years to encourage them to make a full transition into training.

Victoria introduced dual licences in 2016.

Last week the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission granted veteran rider Peter Cullen the state’s first dual licence.

RACING NSW DUAL LICENCE CONDITIONS

* A person may not hold a dual licence for more than five years to encourage the transition into training.

* A dual licence holder based in NSW must not train more than five horses and must have more than 24 race rides each racing season.

* A dual licence holder that is the trainer of a horse entered in a race, may ride that horse but shall not be declared for, or ride, any other horse in that race.

* In the event that a dual licence holder is the trainer of two or more horses in the one race, the Dual Licence Holder shall not be permitted to ride in such race.

* Dual licence holders based interstate may compete in NSW as a jockey/trainer, subject to the terms and conditions set by their interstate licence.