Top South African jockey repeatedly whips rival rider during race at Turffontein

A leading jockey in South Africa lost his cool when repeatedly whipping a rival rider in a race at Turffontein on Sunday.

Gavin Lerena, a former champion jockey in South Africa who rode a double at the Shergar Cup in 2016, stood up in the irons to hit Jason Gates with his whip three times in the last furlong, with Gates retaliating with his own whip towards the end of an ugly incident. 

Lerena attempted to challenge on the outside of Gates, with both horses coming together before Gates's mount edged in front. At that point, Lerena raised himself up in the stirrups and issued three powerful strikes to his rival's back, with Gates swinging out his whip in response.

• Watch the incident unfold at Turffontein

Lerena, 39, later apologised but said his "reaction followed encounters and actions from Mr Gates".

The statement from Lerena read: "I feel it is imperative to offer a formal statement to the racing community. 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."

The incident in pictures

Gavin Lerena stands up in the stirrups and pulls back his whip

Lerena strikes rival jockey Jason Gates

Lerena has apologised following the incident

He added: "I acknowledge that my response has raised views and opinions. This sport of racing has a special place in my heart; I hold it in the highest regard and remain dedicated to contributing positively to its reputation.

"I aim to uphold the values that make racing truly exceptional. Regrettably, today's incident detracted from that commitment, and I am deeply remorseful for any disappointment caused to the punters, owners, trainer, fans and officials."

South Africa's National Horseracing Authority confirmed an inquiry would be held on a date to be fixed.

Lerena, a winner of more than 2,500 races, returned to Britain and was based with Charlie Hills the year after helping the Rest of the World team claim victory in the Shergar Cup. He has a record of four winners from 52 rides in Britain.

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