Gavin Lerena and Jason Gates: See the stunning moment two top jockeys WHIP each other in violent clash during a race
Gavin Lerena and Jason Gates: See the stunning moment two top jockeys WHIP each other in violent clash during a race
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Two rival jockeys - including a decorated star who has Group 1 victories to his name - are the talk of the sport after violently whipping each other mid-race. The extraordinary incident unfolded on January 26 at the Turffontein track in South Africa. Leading hoop Gavin Lerena, 39, was riding Gimme A Storm in the second race on the card when he struck Jason Gates multiple times in the back with his whip with about 200m to go in the home straight.
![[One of South Africa's best jockeys, Gavin Lerena later apologised for his conduct at the Turffontein track - but maintains rival Jason Gates instigated the drama]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94615739-14335435-One_of_South_Africa_s_best_jockeys_Gavin_Lerena_later_apologised-a-2_1738105759142.jpg)
Gates, on board Blurred Vision, tried to swat away the attacks before striking Lerena back. In a lengthy statement, Lerena later apologised - but was adamant Gates provoked him. 'What took place is entirely inconsistent with my character, and I deeply regret the incident,' he said in a post shared on Instagram.
![[Gavin Lerena released a lengthy statement following the incident on January 26]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/23/94615023-14335435-image-a-16_1738105207834.jpg)
'I extend my sincerest apologies to the owners and trainer of the horse, my sponsors, racing fans, and the relevant race day authorities affected. 'I do want to clarify that my reaction followed encounters and actions from Mr Gates. Two rival jockeys - including a decorated star with Group 1 victories to his name - are the talk of the sport after violently whipping each other mid-race (leading hoop Gavin Lerena is pictured).
One of South Africa's best jockeys, Gavin Lerena later apologised for his conduct at the Turffontein track - but maintains rival Jason Gates instigated the drama. Gavin Lerena released a lengthy statement following the incident on January 26. 'In any competitive sport, the instinctual response to a perceived threat, provocation or aggression can lead to a reaction that, under normal circumstances, we would not exhibit or do.
