Australian Jockeys' Association

The Australian Jockeys Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Louise Betts as the new National Jockeys’ Trust Fundraising, Event Promotion and Administration Manager.

Louise has a wealth of talent and experience in the marketing and promotions business area – a skill set well suited to deal with the challenge of raising additional funding while dealing with jockeys and their families who have suffered injury and loss in the racing industry. 

Damien Oliver will be contesting the severity of the penalty handed down by the Racing Victoria Limited Stewards in relation to their recent enquiry. 

The Australian Jockeys Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Ring as the Association’s new National Occupational Health & Safety Officer.

To be used as a guide only with all circumstances of the breach to be considered, penalties to remain at the discretion of the Stewards.

Last 100 metres (AR137A (3&4) (Using the whip on horses not in contention)

These are the new guidelines for using the whip as of 26th September, 2009.  Please note that the formatting and layout has been significantly changed from the original ARB document (see attached file) in order to make it more easily understood.

Forehand use of the whip

Leading up to the 100 metre mark: The whip may be used in a forehand manner in non-consecutive strides only (meaning a rider cannot use it every stride) and not more than 5 times before the 100 metre mark.

The current rules governing the use of the whip are putting the safety of the country’s jockeys at risk, the Australian Jockeys’ Association said today.

In response to the Rider Whip Penalty Template proposed by stewards to address breaches of AR137A, and after extensive consultation with Australian riders through its state branches, the AJA submits the following:

Australian Racing Board and Australian Jockeys Association reach agreement.

The Australian Jockeys Association and the Australian Racing Board are pleased to jointly announce agreement on a response to the AJA’s “Racing for our Lives” proposal.

Jockeys today welcomed the Australian Racing Board’s commitment to introduce funding to safeguard the country’s jockeys.

The ARB gave its commitment to the introduction of a scheme to protect riders at a meeting in Sydney today following months of campaigning by the country’s jockeys.