A top jockey caused astonishment when he stood up in his irons to whip a rival rider during a race. Gavin Lerena is a past champion jockey in South Africa where he has ridden nearly 2.500 winners and enjoyed multiple Group 1 success. He is second in this season’s championship with 124 winners.
He was in action at Turffontein on Sunday when he took exception to the riding of fellow jockey Jason Gates. Lerena was trying to challenge up the middle of the course with Gates on his inside to his right. Both horses came close together and, as Gates’s mount edged in front, Lerena suddenly stood up in the stirrups and issued three fierce blows with his whip to his rival’s back. Gates then appeared to aim a blow at Lerena in response.
The incident led an unnamed jockey, speaking to Sporting Post, to describe the incident as “horrific”. He added: “All the work going into making the game great again and this goes on. Unprofessional!”. South Africa’s National Horseracing Authority confirmed an inquiry would be held.
Lerena issued a statement on social media, saying: “I feel it is imperative to offer a formal statement to the racing community,” he said. “What took place is entirely inconsistent with my character, and I deeply regret the incident. “I extend my sincerest apologies to the owners and trainer of the horse, my sponsors, the racing fans, and the relevant race day authorities affected.
