New Zealand has one of the only racing jurisdictions in the world in which jockeys and drivers can wager on their own races. As you can imagine, this has caused a great deal of controversy over the years, and officials are fighting to have the rule amended.
There are a number of stipulations imposed on jockeys who wish to wager on their races. Firstly, they are only able to bet on their own horses and they must do so in an enclosed area for professionals only. All TabCorp account activity and phone records are required to be made available whenever requested by the RIU.
But this is not enough for Ross Neil, Co-Chief Executive of the Racing Integrity Unit, who has expressed his concern with the rules. He states that not everyone is comfortable with the fact that drivers and jockeys can wager on their own races. As an antiquated rule, Neil and his supporters have lobbied against it; however, they have been unsuccessful thus far.
“We are against jockeys and drivers being able to bet and we have lobbied against it,” says Neil.
He has gained a great deal of support from Cameron George, former head of the Racing Integrity Unit. During his time with the RIU, he attempted to change the rule. Unfortunately, the Thoroughbred Racing Board has declined the request. George has stated that the group have no given a viable reason why.
