Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) has established a new panel to gauge the readiness of apprentice jockeys to race ride and ride at metropolitan meetings.
The Rider Assessment Panel (RAP) will provide independent reports to the stewards’ department after assessing applications, but has no licensing capacity.
In assessing applications, the RAP must review and discuss each applicant’s ‘riding report’, and interview the applicant and his/her trainer.
In addition, the panel must assess each applicant’s suitability, taking into account the following factors:
- Ability to ride (including riding style).
- Ability to ride safely.
- Understanding of the rules of racing, including the requirements associated with weighing in and out for races.
- Ability to manage their weight.
- Spatial and peripheral awareness.
- General demeanour, communication and presentation
- Ability to confidently conduct themselves when conversing during questioning in an inquiry/protest setting.
- Whip style and their approach to the use of the whip.
The RAP will receive input from the SA branch of the Australian Jockey Association (AJA) regarding each applicant’s riding ability.
It will also provide a report to the stewards department for consideration in any licensing matter.
The RAP will comprise four TRSA-appointed members, but can provide assessments with only three members, when necessary. Membership will comprise a steward, the TRSA Apprentice Academy supervisor, the TRSA riding master/apprentice jockey coach, plus one other person employed or engaged by TRSA.
“To the extent possible, members of the RAP must have riding experience as a rider in thoroughbred races, but must not be a person with a current licence to ride in races in Australia,” said TRSA chairman of stewards, Johan Petzer.
Current members are:
Chairperson Michael Zarb – Senior steward
Convenor Briony Moore – TRSA Apprentice Academy supervisor
Member John Cornell – TRSA equine welfare officer
Member Darryn Murphy – TRSA riding master/apprentice jockey coach
