Training to build 'moral character'

THE apprentice jockeys' training programme is under review to toughen standards and emphasise moral character, the Jockey Club said yesterday.

The news follows the Independent Commission Against Corruption's arrest last week of 11 former and current jockeys for allegedly fixing two races in 1996 in a scam involving $2 million.

'The programme can no longer rely only on skills, but needs to include character-building,' Jockey Club chief executive Lawrence Wong said.

Mr Wong said the practice requiring young jockeys to wait six to seven years before knowing if they can turn professional may be shortened.

He denied their $3,000 monthly salary was too low, saying most made money by winning races.