Jockey Segregation Update – 27 March 2020
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) advises that the segregation of jockeys will commence from this Saturday, 28 March.
RWWA has identified a group of jockeys referred to as the ‘Blue Team’, who have volunteered to ride at only metropolitan and inner provincial race meetings, and will be segregated from all other jockeys at racecourses.
The following restrictions apply for those jockeys who are part of the ‘Blue Team’, if a rider is identified as being in breach of these conditions it will be necessary to remove them from this group:
- Only allowed to ride at Ascot Racecourse and Pinjarra Park, and therefore will not be permitted to ride at Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
- Must not interact with any jockeys outside of the blue team, including both on-course and off-course.
- Not permitted to ride any track work at racecourses, training centres and private facilities.
If a jockey from this group is named for a ride at any venues outside of Ascot or Pinjarra Park they will be removed.
Please note that Bunbury is running Provincial C class meetings transferred from Narrogin and York, and for this reason has not been included as part of the blue team’s permitted racetracks.
All jockeys are still permitted to ride at Ascot and Pinjarra Park, however those who are not part of the blue team will be separated whilst on-course and are restricted from interacting with this group.
New change room and amenities specifically for the blue team are now in place at both racecourses, to ensure segregation can occur.
Jockeys who are included as part of the ‘Blue’ team include:
- Joseph Azzopardi
- Christopher Graham
- Peter Hall
- Paul Harvey
- Ryan Hill
- Clint Johnston-Porter
- Shaun McGruddy
- Jarrad Noske
- Brad Parnham
- Chris Parnham
- Steven Parnham
- Mitchell Pateman
- William Pike
- Jason Whiting
RWWA will continue to provide Compliance Support Officers at racecourses, who will assist with the separation of jockeys. Please note these officers will be acting under the powers of the Stewards and the Rules of Racing, and any abuse or misconduct directed at any RWWA or club staff will not be tolerated and will be referred to the Stewards for action.
This risk mitigation measure has been implemented so that in the event one of the jockeys is impacted directly or indirectly, not all jockeys will be required to isolate. These are necessary precautionary measures to protect the industry and safeguard the continuation of racing.
It is reminded that trainers, strappers, stablehands and trackwork riders must follow the guidelines outlined by RWWA to protect the racing industry and avoid any spread of COVID-19. This includes wiping down and disinfecting all horse equipment, ensuring appropriate social distancing and good hygiene is maintained at all times, and only those essential to the conduct of racing attending track work, trials and race meetings. To view the guidelines, please click here.