A decision is expected within a fortnight whether former jockey Danny Nikolic can resume riding in Queensland.
Nikolic applied for a Queensland provincial class licence just before Christmas and the matter was adjourned until the new year.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission licensing division has collected submissions on the application, which if successful is understood to allow Nikolic to be based in north Queensland.
QRIC Commissioner Ross Barnett says a decision on the application is expected soon.
“The commission is currently considering a provincial jockey’s licence application for Danny Nikolic. A decision has yet to be made. However, it is expected within the next two weeks,” Barnett said.
Nikolic has not ridden since September 2012 after being banned following a running battle with Victorian authorities, in particular threats against former chief steward Terry Bailey, who now holds that position in Singapore.
The jockey has links to Queensland, doing part of his apprenticeship with the late trainer Bruce McLachlan.
Nikolic has ridden with success in Queensland, including in the Stradbroke Handicap on Show A Heart (2002) and Thorn Park (2004).
His last application for a licence in Queensland was rejected in September 2015.
That same year, Racing Victoria also rejected his bid to ride, saying he was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a licence, a decision confirmed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in March 2017.
