Vic Stewards Approve New Jockey Weight Trial

Jockeys in Victoria will soon have the option to ride their mounts up to 1kg over the allocated weight in flat races, following a month-long trial set to begin on March 1, reports punters.com.au. The initiative, approved by Racing Victoria stewards, will allow riders to apply for permission to exceed the set weight, provided the horse’s trainer is in agreement. The trial aims to give jockeys the opportunity to maintain their association with certain horses despite weight restrictions, a move stewards believe will benefit both riders and connections. Under the trial conditions, trainers can book a jockey to ride at 1kg over at any weight if they believe it enhances their horse’s winning chances. According to punters.com.au, applications for overweight rides must be lodged by 2pm on the day of acceptances – typically Wednesday for a Saturday race meeting. Exceptions for late applications will only be considered in extraordinary cases, at the discretion of the stewards' chairperson. Meanwhile, existing rules allowing riders to apply for permission to ride half a kilogram over remain unchanged. Stewards have assured trainers and jockeys that the trial will be conducted under strict guidelines. Apprentices claiming allowances will not be permitted to ride overweight and must declare their minimum weight at the time of acceptance. In cases where a jockey is unavailable, trainers are expected to find a replacement at the allocated weight, with special circumstances required for any overweight exemptions. The trial will officially commence with acceptances for Flemington’s Saturday meeting, and punters will be informed of overweight approvals through Racing Victoria’s official X account (@RVStewards) and the Racing Australia website. Throughout the trial, stewards will engage with participants before determining whether to extend or implement the rule permanently.