Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards and Racing New South Wales (RNSW) Stewards have made public a media release regarding their ruling to stop the product ‘Ride Guide’ from continuing.
View their media release below:
Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards and Racing New South Wales (RNSW) Stewards [the Stewards] advise that they will not grant consent, as required by Australian Rule of Racing 83(b), for the continued participation of licensed jockeys in the digital form service marketed as ‘Ride Guide’ by media company Unscriptd and wagering operator Ladbrokes.
It should be noted that the consent of nominators is also required under Australian Rule of Racing 83(b). The Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association in both Victoria and New South Wales oppose the ‘Ride Guide’ service.
The Stewards note that, at the very least, there is a genuine issue of perception that the ‘Ride Guide’ service, where jockeys are paid by a wagering operator, through an intermediary for information and/or opinions in respect of their mounts, is inconsistent with the maintenance of public confidence in the image, integrity and perception of thoroughbred racing.
Accordingly, any licensed jockey or apprentice who sees fit to continue their participation will be in breach of the Rules and subject to penalty accordingly.
Australian Rule of Racing 83(b) states:
“Every jockey or apprentice may be penalised if, without the consent of the Stewards and the nominator of any horse he rides or is to ride in any race, he accept or agree to accept any pecuniary or other gift or other consideration in connection with any horse in such race, provided that he does not require the consent of the Stewards in respect of any pecuniary or other gift or consideration from the nominator of the horse he rides or is to ride.”
Source: Media Release from RacingNSW and Racing Victoria