A jockey has savagely whipped a rival during a race in South Africa.

Gavin Lerena hit another rider three times as the race erupted into extraordinary violence.

The South African stood up in the irons to hit Jason Gates with his whip repeatedly in the last furlong before Gates retaliated with his own in an ugly incident at Turffontein.

Lerena has issued an apology but said he was reacting to the actions of Gates as the country’s National Horseracing Authority confirmed an inquiry would be held on a date to be fixed.

The 39-year-old had been attempting to challenge on the outside of Gates on Sunday but tempers frayed as both horses came together and then his rival edged in front. In highly unusual scenes, Lerena then stood up in the stirrups and lashed out on his rival’s back before Gates swung back in response.

In his apology, Lerena has since said his “reaction followed encounters and actions from Mr Gates”.

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“What took place is entirely inconsistent with my character and I deeply regret the incident,” Lerena said in a statement to the ‘racing community’. “I extend my sincerest apologies to the owners and trainer of the horse, my sponsors, the racing fans, and the relevant race day authorities affected. I do want to clarify that my reaction followed encounters and actions from Mr Gates. In any competitive sport, the instinctual response to a perceived threat, provocation, or aggression can lead to a reaction that, under normal circumstances, we would not exhibit.”

Lerena, a winner of more than 2500 races, was previously based with Charlie Hills in Britain the year after helping the Rest of the World team claim victory in the Shergar Cup in 2016.