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New Zealand racing's chief stipendiary steward Cameron George wants the maximum fine for a riding infringement increased from $10,000 to at least $50,000.
The increase is linked to relegation rule changes.
From July 1 it will be required to be shown a horse which suffered interference, so long as it can be promoted to a stakes bearing place, would have beaten the horse causing interference.
Current rules say it only needs to be shown that a horse which suffered interference would have finished in a higher placing.
The new rule could also promote a win at all costs attitude from jockeys. But George was keen to put a significant deterrent in place.
George said the highest fine at present is $10,000.
"As part of the review of the rules, we are asking for that to be increased to $50,000," George said yesterday. "We want to stamp out the win at all costs mindset." The rule change will put New Zealand in line with Australia. An increase in the maximum fine would also be similar to Australia. Until stipes in Australia began stepping up fines and the length of suspension for interference, there had been suggestions owners would pay for a jockey's fine in major races.
For example, in a race worth $1 million to the winner, the 5 per cent jockey's percentage is $50,000.
That would leave $950,000 for the owner and the wining trainer (who receives 10 per cent).
If the maximum fine were $10,000 that left the potential for an owner to cover the jockey's fine without unduly affecting the owner's percentage.
New Zealand's richest race is the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes at Hastings. The winning stake is $1.15 million, of which the winning jockey's fee is $57,500.
George said an increase could include a variation to be equal to that of the winning fee. "It could be $50,000 or even the rider's percentage, whichever is the greater."
- NZPA
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