THIS is the ‘insane’ moment a jockey fight breaks out mid-race – as one WHIPS another repeatedly while riding at top speed.
The amazing bust-up between Group 1-winning jockey Gavin Lerena and Jason Gates was caught during a contest at Turffontein in South Africa capital Johannesburg.
Video shows Lerena actually stand up in his irons in an effort to whack Gates with the full force of his whip in the final 200 yards of the race.
Lerena, who was riding the 3-1 favourite Gimme A Storm, will now be grilled by National Horseracing Authority bosses over the astonishing flashpoint.
It looked like the scrap started when Gates on 66-1 Blurred Vision hung left into Lerena’s path.
There appeared to be a coming together of the horses and jockeys – prompting Lerena to lash out.
He has now issued a lengthy statement on the fight, claiming what he did was in response to Gates’ previous actions.
Lerena said: “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.
“I acknowledge that my response has raised views and opinions.”
Punters were bowled over by the bust-up, with one calling it ‘insane’ and another commenting: “That has to be at least one to two years out of the sport, right? Absolutely disgraceful.”
Amazingly, this isn’t the first time a whipping storm has erupted in a South African race.
A fellow rider nicknamed ‘striker’ was filmed cracking his whip over a jockey four times during a race a few years ago.