SBC News New Zealand bans jockeys from raceday betting activity

New Zealand bans jockeys from raceday betting activity

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has announced changes governing jockeys betting (Rule 707 of the Rules of Racing), which will come into force tomorrow.

In a strong step to strengthen the assurance of racing integrity, the organisation, which licenses 150 jockeys and 44 amateur riders, has moved to ban them from betting on any New Zealand thoroughbred race if they are riding on that day. Furthermore, controls regarding the requirement for any bets to be placed solely via a jockey’s electronic account with the New Zealand TAB have been updated.

Historically, riders have been permitted to bet on any New Zealand thoroughbred race they were not competing in and on the horse that they were riding in races they were involved.

The measures, which were initiated in 2013, have received the necessary approval from industry stakeholders, particularly the Minister for Racing and the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association, as well as the Racing Integrity UnitRacing’s Judicial Control Authority and theNew Zealand Racing Board.

Matthew Goodson, Chairman of NZTR, stated: “The appearance as well as the practice of integrity is critical against a backdrop of rapidly evolving gambling options which are creating issues for many sports. The strengthening of this Racing Rule will provide greater protection for punters, which is critical for our industry, and support our integrity services.

NZTR is committed to continue reviewing the potential impact of other factors on racing integrity such as growing international linkages and the role of offshore betting organisations and websites. We hold significant reservations regarding the current information that is available to the Racing Integrity Unit from these offshore organisations and there is a clear need for New Zealand legislation that deals with the current reality of global wagering on many domestic and international competitive events. “

New Zealand Jockeys’ Association President, Dave Taylor, added: “New Zealand racing and Jockeys have the very highest levels of integrity and we acknowledge and understand the need for both the practice and perception of the highest standards of integrity.”