Racing: Cropp hearing delays 'top jockey' award

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has suspended voting on its jockey of the year award until the outcome of Lisa Cropp's hearing into alleged drug use is known.

NZTR said in a statement today that the jockey of the year award would not be presented as planned at its annual awards dinner in Christchurch on Friday.

It will now be presented at a later date, following discussions between NZTR, sponsor Mercedes-Benz and the judging panel.

Cropp, who rode a New Zealand record 197 winners in the past season, is a finalist along with Michael Coleman, Leith Innes and Hayden Tinsley.

The Cropp hearing continues in Auckland today and isn't expected to conclude until after the awards dinner, the statement said.

- NZPA