Jockey Rob James apologises for climbing on dead horse, 24 hours after Gordon Elliott ban

ByReuters

Published 02/03/2021 at 21:15 GMT

Jockey Rob James has apologised after a video of him climbing on a dead horse was published on social media. James says the incident happened in 2016 after the mare died of a cardiac arrest. The apology comes just 24 hours after Irish trainer Gordon Elliott was temporarily banned from racing in Britain when a photograph of him sitting on a dead horse circulated online.

Rob James rode Milan Native at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020

Image credit: Getty Images

Irish amateur jockey Rob James says he is "heartbroken" and wishes to apologise after a video of him climbing on a dead horse appeared on social media.

James told the Irish Field newspaper he was the person in the video which circulated on social media earlier in the day.

It shows him briefly climbing on the dead horse while others present could be heard laughing. James said the mare died following a cardiac arrest on a gallops in April 2016.

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His apology came after Irish trainer Gordon Elliott on Monday was temporarily banned from racing in Britain when a photograph of him sitting on a dead horse circulated online.

Elliott, a Gold Cup and three times Grand National winner, said the photograph was taken some time ago after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops.

He apologised for "any offence caused".

James, who rode Elliott-trained Milan Native to victory at the Cheltenham Festival last year, also said he was sorry.

Elliott banned for 'appalling' photo on dead horse

"I would just like to apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful," James told the Irish Field newspaper.

"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."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) had earlier said on Twitter that it was "aware of further social media content circulating" and the matter was under investigation.

"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," James said.

"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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