Concerns around the coronavirus pandemic have prompted racing authorities to trial riderless horse races in a bid to minimise exposure among participants.
With COVID-19 forcing the suspension of a number of racing jurisdictions around the world, Australian racing officials are exploring contingency plans to keep the industry afloat in the event that further restrictions are enforced by either the federal or state governments.
Key among these is to trial races without jockeys in an attempt to work around tighter restrictions and minimise interaction among the riding fraternity.
"Should we get to a point where jockey interactions become too problematic, senior figures are considering implementing a jockey-free race scenario", an industry insider told Punters.com.au.
"Time and time again we've seen riderless horses continue on in a race after their jockey has been dislodged, so if all horses are in the same boat there would be no unfair advantage to any competitors.
"We've seen it work in the greyhound code and are confident that it would hold up with thorougbreds.
"It paves the way for a very fair playing field from both a wagering and integrity standpoint."
Horses would still be saddled up and weighted according to the entry conditions of the given race.
Competitors would then be led up and loaded into the barriers by a handler prior to the starter letting the field go.
A section of the track will then be cordoned off 400m past the winning post, to corral competitors at the completion of the event.
There has reportedly been some concern among the jockey ranks that this could lead to riders being made redundant once the pandemic is resolved, however authorities insist this is not seen as a permanent resolution.
"It is acknowledged that jockeys are integral to a quality racing product and this measure is only being considered in the unique circumstances we face as a result of the global pandemic," said the insider.
"In no way, shape or form are we looking to make this change permanent - we are simply exploring ways to keep the industry going in anticipation of tighter restrictions down the track."
The first trials are set to be held behind closed doors as early as next Monday.
If successful, it is expected that the green light will be given for the idea to be implemented nation-wide in the event that a participant returns a positive test to COVID-19.punters.com.au
