Danny Nikolic has reapplied for a jockey licence in Queensland.
Nikolic was suspended for 12 months after he was found guilty of threatening Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey at the Seymour races in September 2012. He had that ban extended until September 30 2015 when he was also found guilty of verbally abusing Racing Victoria steward Wade Hadley at a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing in November 2012.
Racing Queensland (RQ) chief steward Allan Reardon confirmed on Sunday that Nikolic has reapplied for his licence and that it would be considered by the RQ licensing committee but at this stage there was no date set down.
Nikolic’s brother John, who was disqualified from training for 12 months last year after a horse in his care produced a positive sample to the banned substance gabapentin, said Nikolic should be allowed to return to riding.
He cited Racing Queensland giving former jockey Chris Munce a license after he spent time in jail in Hong Kong as an example and said Nikolic wouldn’t get a fair hearing if he tried to return to Victoria.
“Most people would realise he has virtually no chance of getting a fair go in Melbourne and he likes the lifestyle up here and the weather,” Nikolic told the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Brad Davidson.
“Everybody should be given a chance and three years is more than enough time out of the game.”
Nikolic said he has never seen his brother in better physical condition away from the racecourse.
Danny Nikolic has also applied to be licensed to ride in Victoria, no decision has been made at this stage.