Racing Victoria extends Josh Richards’ license pending review on apprentice eligibility

Apprentice jockey Josh Richards was removed from two rides at Sandown Hillside on Wednesday as a precaution under Covid-19 biosecurity protocols.

Richards rode in two races before being told he was a secondary contact of a person linked to a Tier 2 exposure site.

It comes as Racing Victoria considers Wagga apprentice Richards’ bid to remain on loan to Cranbourne trainer Michael Kent and continue to ride in the state.

Richards has secured as 12-month extension from Racing NSW but it does not yet apply in Victoria.

His license to ride in Victoria was due to expire at midnight Thursday, but for an 11th hour stay pending a policy review.

The current RV policy only permits apprenticeships to be extended beyond the four-year term on the basis of time lost owing to injury or illness.

Racing NSW permits apprenticeships to be extended if, among other reasons, a rider has not out-ridden their claim.

Josh Richards riding Spanish Poet to victory at Bendigo earlier this month. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“RV is currently reviewing our policy with regards to interstate apprentices such as Josh Richards to consider the grounds under which they can ride within Victoria,” an RV spokeswoman said.

“Josh Richards’ loan to Victoria has been extended until 31 August 2021 while the review of our policy around the engagement of interstate apprentices is on foot.

“We expect to provide an update on Josh Richards’ circumstances and the requirements for other interstate apprentices in similar circumstances before the end of the month.”

Richards, 27, has enjoyed great success in Victoria, riding 54 winners since border-hopping last December.

As a “country” apprentice Richards exposed a loophole in the system, being able to claim 3kg at Victorian provincial meetings despite having ridden more than 100 NSW winners.

An equally credentialed Victorian apprentice in the same races would not benefit from an allowance.

Claims start at 4kg and drop on a sliding scale based on wins — five, 20, 50 and 80 — in a jurisdiction.

Richards now gets 1.5kg at provincial meetings and 3kg in Melbourne metropolitan races.

In contrast, leading apprentice Will Price, 21, who has ridden one more winner (165) than Richards, gets 1.5kg in the city and nothing at provincial meetings.

Originally published asApprentice faces anxious wait on eligibility

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