Jockey very nasty, putting learner off (3)

I believe the answer is:

vie

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'jockey' is the definition.
(I know that jockey is a more specific form of race)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vie that I've seen before include "Contend for superiority" , "Contend, compete" , "Try to do better than" , "Struggle" , "Eagerly compete" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.