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Amateur jockey Rob James to face IHRB panel over dead horse video

Rob James is to face an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Referrals Committee on Wednesda...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

21.09 9 Mar 2021


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Amateur jockey Rob James to fa...

Amateur jockey Rob James to face IHRB panel over dead horse video

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

21.09 9 Mar 2021


Share this article


Rob James is to face an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Referrals Committee on Wednesday. 

Last week a video circulated online which portrayed the amateur jockey pretending to ride upon a recently deceased horse.

The video of James emerged days after Gordon Elliott had been pictured taking a phone call while sitting on a dead horse.

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Elliott received a six-month ban from racing following an IHRB Referrals Committee hearing last week, and was asked to pay €15,000 in costs.

James rode the Elliott-trained Milan Native to victory in the Kim Muir Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival.

After the video surfaced he apologised, saying:

“I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like to apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.

"I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry, and all followers of horse racing for my actions.

"To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family, and most importantly the sport I love.

"I am heartbroken by the damage I have caused and will do my best to try and make amends to those hurt by my conduct.”

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Cheltenham Cheltenham Festival Gordon Elliott IHRB Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Rob James

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