A leading jockey in South Africa lost his cool when repeatedly whipping a rival in a race at Turffontein Jan. 26.
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' 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.
Lerena, 39, later apologized 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."
