Jockey sisters stood down after fight at Hamilton meeting

Beriman, a Warrnambool apprentice jockey, complained to stewards after the alleged incident involving her older sister following race five. 

It’s believed the incident escalated prior to race six when both were in the female jockeys’ room and came to blows.

McLean, who lived in Warrnambool before moving to Ballarat, had two rides left in races six and eight while Beriman was booked for rides for her master Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean in the last three races when they were stood down.

Rob Montgomery, the chairman of stewards at the meeting, said statements had been taken from both sisters and all female jockeys who were in the room.

“We (stewards) decided to stand down Nikita and Jackie from their riding engagements just before race six because of jockey safety for themselves and other jockeys who were riding in the last few races,” Mr Montgomery said. 

“Nikita has also been stood down indefinitely. 

“We have opened an inquiry into the alleged altercation by speaking to the other female jockeys. 

“The inquiry had to be adjourned as we had to run the last three races.”

There has been a history of conflict between the two talented jockeys dating back to August last year. 

The pair were chaperoned in the female jockeys’ room at two race meetings at Moonee Valley and Colac last year.

It was thought the pair had resolved their differences and had been getting on well over the last few months before yesterday’s incident.