Danny Nikolic applying for a NSW jockey licence

Clinton Payne - Saturday October 21

Banned Victorian jockey Danny Nikolic will appear before the Racing NSW licencing committee next week in his latest attempt to resume his riding career.

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Danny Nikolic. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Nikolic hasn't ridden since being banned in 2012 for threatening behaviour towards racing stewards in Victoria.

He reapplied for his licence in 2015 but Victorian officials ruled he was "not a fit and proper person" to be relicenced.

He was subsequently banned from entering Victorian racetracks by police and earlier this year the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) dismissed Nikolic's challenge to have his riding licence reinstated.

"He has had numerous relevant altercations with a range of different people," VCAT deputy president Heather Lambrick said when handing down her decision.

"He had 'shown his teeth' to stewards, a car park official, another jockey, police, members of the public and family members."

Racenet believes Nikolic will appear before a Racing NSW licencing committee on Thursday where he will try to regain his licence to ride in races in New South Wales.

"Danny maintains that he suffered a substantial penalty arising out of his altercation with the chief steward, Terry Bailey, and he has served more than his time by virtue of that incident," Nikolic's lawyer Pat Lennon said in a statement after the failed VCAT challenge.

"It is significant that the jockeys have all given their support for Danny to resume riding and to pursue a career he has been engaged in for over 25 years.

"Danny has only ever wanted a fair go and to be treated in the same manner that others would be treated."

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel offered "no comment" when asked about the matter at Randwick on Saturday.

Nikolic has won more than 20 Group I races during his career including the Caulfield Cup in 2005 aboard Mummify.

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