The remainder of the 2020 National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The opening two legs of the series were held in Tasmania and Western Australia in March, before the final three legs were postponed in the wake of coronavirus-related travel restrictions.
However, this week a joint decision was made to abandon the balance of the NARS, scheduled for Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
“The National Apprentice Race Series is a fantastic initiative for young apprentices across the country, so it’s unfortunate that the series couldn’t proceed this year,” RQ COO Adam Wallish said.
“It’s the reality of the landscape at present, however I look forward to seeing the series back on the calendar in 2021.”
The NARS is Australia’s premier apprentice-only race series and showcases the riding talents of the country’s most exciting young jockeys.
First held in 2008, the series draws together apprentices from across the country to represent their state in a collection of races in six states and territories.
Points are awarded for the top five placings in each leg of the series, with the state that accumulates the most points crowned the winner.
The first round of this year’s series was held in Tasmania and taken out by the state’s own rider in Ianish Luximon, whose victory was his first ever race win.
Queensland claimed the second leg of the series when Adin Thompson was successful in Perth, putting the state on top of the leaderboard prior to its abandonment.