The board of Racing NSW had opted to uphold its policy of not allowing dual jockey/trainer licenses after receiving strong recommendations from its stewards on integrity issues associated with such licenses. The issue came under review after last year's G1 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne, who recently obtained a training license, was not permitted to ride at Randwick earlier this month. Dual licenses were recently approved in Victoria.
Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V'landys said, “This decision is no reflection upon Michelle Payne, for whom we have the utmost admiration and respect. However, we have to look beyond the individual when we believe that there are concerns related to integrity and perception of our industry. The confidence of punters in the integrity of Thoroughbred racing is paramount. In maintaining the confidence of punters, it is critical that punters not only believe that our integrity is of the highest order, but also that the perception of our industry be the same.”
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