2015 Melbourne Cup champion Michelle Payne has been banned by Racing NSW because of her dual trainer-rider license in Victoria, a license that is not permitted in NSW.
The history-making jockey won’t be allowed to race in NSW because of the ban due to the state’s policies on dual licensee holders.
People that are registered as both a trainer and a rider are allowed to ride in Victoria, South Australia and certain areas of Queensland, but the NSW Racing commission holds different laws.
Payne has only recently become a trainer as she pursues a second career in the racing industry, and has her first trained horse, Queen Of Zealand, riding at Cranbourne.
She very nearly retired as a jockey on the spot after her huge accident earlier in the year at Mildura, but has instead moved into a training role alongside her jockey duties.
According to Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel, their stance on dual licenses is a matter of “integrity”, stating that “on race day there is a clear difference in responsibilities for jockeys and trainers and Racing NSW feels you do one job or another.”
“A jockey has to be in the jockeys’ room when the horse is being saddled and that holds some concern under the rules in our opinion.”
While the rules are fairly standard and have been in place for quite some time, Payne has still made her feelings known on social media.
Not allowed to ride in NSW because of dual license. Are they serious? Michelle Payne (@mj_payne) October 4, 2016
@EoinTheVet thatand#39;s what Iand#39;m wondering. I donand#39;t understand the problem, raceday Iand#39;m a jockey. Hard to believe.andmdash; Michelle Payne (@mj_payne) October 5, 2016
Despite the setback, Payne will continue to ride and train elsewhere around the country.
She is currently probing about for a ride in the Caulfield Cup as she continues her successful comeback from the aforementioned Mildura fall in May, having already won two races since her return.
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