Further supporting the State's apprentice jockeys, Racing NSW released news earlier this week that a 4kg claim allowance for apprentices who have not ridden five winners would be introduced. The allowance in NSW applies only to rides in the country and provincial areas as no apprentice may accept metropolitan rides until he/she has ridden five winners.

In a second initiative, Racing NSW also fell into line with most other States on 1/8/05 in requiring that a probationary apprentice complete 20 satisfactory barrier trials prior to being licensed to ride in races. Previously, the requirement had been only 10 trials, although in most cases Stewards had been requiring additional rides from the probationary apprentice to ensure that they were sufficiently skilled and experienced before commencing race riding.

Malcolm Fitzgerald, of Industry Training, will continue to assess young riders prior to being given a permit to ride. The move to 20 trials ensures focus on safety and competency, prior to them gaining their race riding ticket.

Full details can be viewed at the following URL.

The original initiative (from 29 June 2005) can be viewed here.