RACING NSW’s licencing committee has withdrawn Jason Collins’ apprentice licence.
Collins was stood down by Southern District stewards last month for failing to fulfil his obligations as an apprentice jockey and he faced the licencing committee on December 1.
The committee informed Collins of their verdict on Tuesday and he will now be forced to wait at least three months before being allowed to reapply.
Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) chairman of stewards John Davidson confirmed the result.
“Jason has had his apprentice jockey licence withdrawn,” Davidson said.
“He can and subsequently has applied for stablehand trackwork rider’s licence and can reapply for his apprentice’s licence to the licencing board in three months time.”
Collins said he was “very happy” with the verdict and will reapply for his apprentice jockey’s licence in March.
The premiership-winning apprentice said he had gone through a tough time recently and acknowledged he needed time away.
“I can reapply in mid-March and that’s what I’ll be doing,” Collins said.
“It’s been a hard time of year for me with a few suspensions and a big death in the family.
“I’m very happy with the verdict and it will give me time to get my head right.”
Collins currently has a couple of broken bones in his hand after competing at the Rosewood Rodeo earlier this month.
He hopes to be able to ride trackwork in mid January.
Meantime, stewards hope to move Albury’s race meeting on Saturday forward due to the forecast for hot temperatures.
The plan is for the meeting to be concluded by 3pm.
