Jockeys agents in NSW will have to get written permission to bet under a new local rule.
The Racing NSW board has introduced the rule to come into effect on March 1 next year.
The matter has been under consideration for some time and surfaced again after an inquiry into tactics in a race at Rosehill last month.
Stewards questioned jockey Josh Parr about his ride on odds-on favourite Roheryn who finished second to Chess Master who started at $9.50.
During the inquiry it came to light that Parr’s manager John Walter, who has an online tipping service, had selected Chess Master.
Stewards accepted Walter’s reasoning he had assessed Chess Master as over the odds and the horse was better value but it again raised the question of agents betting and/or tipping.
Agents who want to bet will have to get written permission from Racing NSW before the rule comes into effect.
LR71A states:
Any rider’s agent who:
(a) bets, has an interest in a bet, or facilitates a bet; or
(b) provides either directly or indirectly to any person for any direct or indirect financial or other benefit (regardless of whether such benefit materialises) any tip, or any other information or advice that may influence any person to bet,
(a & b) on any NSW race in which a rider whom the rider’s agent represents (in accordance with AR1) is engaged to ride, commits an offence and may be penalised. For the purposes of this rule, a bet includes a lay bet.
