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January 29, 2025

Top South African Jockey Loses His Cool, Whips Rival During Race [Video]

Gavin Lerena, who is in contention for the South African jockeys’ title, will appear in front of a National Horseracing Authority after standing in the irons to hit jockey Jason Gates with the whip in the last 150m of a race.

[Image: Tom Paige / CC]

One of South Africa’s top jockeys will face a disciplinary inquiry after attempting to whack a fellow rider with the whip during a race at Turffontein on Sunday.

Gavin Lerena, who is in contention for the South African jockeys’ title, will appear in front of a National Horseracing Authority after standing in the irons to hit jockey Jason Gates with the whip in the last 150m of a race.

Lerena, who was riding the 28/10 favourite Gimme A Storm, later apologised for the incident but said his actions were a “response to Gates’ actions”.

“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.”

“I do want to clarify that my reaction followed encounters and actions from Mr. Gates.”

“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.”

In other words, “Gates started it”.

Watch the two go at each other below:

[Source: FoxSports]