Dual licence holders cannot ride in NSW

Racing NSW will stick to its policy and will not allow dual trainer/jockey licence holders to ride in the state.

The issue came to light when Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne was not allowed to ride in a race at Randwick for another trainer earlier this month.

“After receiving strong recommendation from its stewards on integrity issues associated with dual licences, the board decided to maintain its policy, namely that dual licences are not issued in NSW and that where a person is licensed as a jockey/trainer in another jurisdiction, that person is permitted to start horses in NSW as a trainer but not be licensed as a jockey,” Racing NSW said on Wednesday.

.Chief executive Peter V’landys said the rule was not directed at any individual.

“This decision is no reflection upon Michelle Payne, for whom we have the utmost admiration and respect,” he said.

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“However, we have to look beyond the individual when we believe that there are concerns related to integrity and perception of our industry.”

Payne was among several riders granted dual licences when they were introduced in Victoria from the beginning of the season.

The NSW rule came into effect in June but Payne said she was not told about the restriction when she applied for her dual licence in Victoria.

Racing NSW said it had informed its interstate counterparts of the policy when it was introduced.

Dual licences are allowed in Victoria, South Australia and parts of country Queensland.