Latest News

The Board of Racing NSW determined at their most recent meeting to approve the introduction of dual licenses (Jockey/Trainer) in NSW, effective 1 January 2019, with the introduction of NSW Local Rule 56.

Racing NSW had initially resisted the introduction of the licence type to ensure that it completed all due diligence, to ensure there were no integrity risks should such licence type be approved.

Racing NSW Chief Executive Mr Peter V’landys AM, said:

“Racing NSW considers the integrity of thoroughbred racing to be paramount at all times and must be always the first factor satisfied before any change.

“Accordingly, The Board of Racing NSW received a report which provided confidence that any integrity concerns previously raised, had been addressed by the introduction of LR56.

“Racing NSW received submissions from several interstate dual licence holders, led by Michelle Payne, who explained the benefits of allowing dual licenses.

“Racing NSW determined that by allowing jockeys to transition into a training career whilst continuing to compete as a jockey, will provide a sustainable business model for these riders and allow them to continue to have a career within the racing industry.

“Without the determination and drive of Michelle Payne this may not have come to fruition,” Mr V’landys added.

Important components of LR56 include;

• A person may not hold a dual licence for more than 5 years to encourage the transition into training;
• A dual licence holder based in NSW must not train more than 5 horses and must have more than 24 race rides each racing season;
• A dual licence holder that is the trainer of a horse entered in a race, may ride that horse but shall not be declared for, or ride, any other horse in that race;
• In the event that a dual licence holder is the trainer of 2 or more horses in the one race, the Dual Licence Holder shall not be permitted to ride in such race, and
• Dual licence holders based interstate may compete in NSW as a jockey/trainer, subject to the terms and conditions set by their interstate licence.

Full terms and conditions of LR56 are available on the Racing NSW website.