New regulations aimed at creating transparency among jockeys has been introduced by Racing Victoria in the wake of the Damien Oliver betting controversy.
Under the new rules announced on Monday is a requirement for jockeys to sign a declaration each year asserting they have not bet on thoroughbred racing anywhere in the world during the previous 12 months.
Jockeys will also be required to identify anyone they call on to provide form analysis, race tactics or other professional advice. Both rules will be a part of the annual licence renewal process.
In a further addition to the integrity process, stewards now have the power to stand down any licensed person who is charged with a serious offence “if that person’s continued participation undermines the sports image or integrity”.
The latest regulations follow the announcement in the past four months of six other policies aimed at strengthening integrity.
While RV makes no reference in the new regulations to the Oliver case in which the former champion jockey received a nine month ban for betting in a race in which he rode, the new regulations address a number of issues raised in the matter in which he used a well-known form analyst to help place a $10,000 bet.
Among them was the failure of authorities to stand Oliver down while he was facing charges.
RV chief executive Bernard Saundry said the enhancements ensured RV remained a national leader on integrity, while reminding the minority of participants that seek to cheat that they will be caught and penalised appropriately.
“Our commitment to integrity is unrivalled by any sporting organisation in Australia and the suite of enhancements unveiled since the spring racing carnival demonstrates our unwavering desire to build upon that commitment,” Saundry said.
“Racing Victoria spends $15 million annually on integrity and stewarding and the industry employs more than 80 staff across Racing Victoria and our drug laboratory, RASL, to manage the integrity of the sport and police the Rules of Racing.
“The introduction of no betting and form analyst declarations for jockeys, together with new stand down powers brings to nine the number of major integrity enhancements made since the spring racing carnival and are a clear reminder to all that cheating will not be tolerated in this sport.”
Under the new minimum penalty regime adopted by RV, from May this year jockeys who bet on a race in which they are competing face a minimum two-year disqualification.
