Disgraced jockey Rob James banned for one year after sick dead horse video
Disgraced jockey Rob James has been handed a one-year ban from the sport – with eight months suspended.
It comes after a video of the Irishman went viral portraying the amateur rider laughing and jumping over a dead horse.
The incident came to light just a day after Gordon Elliott's own shame.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) ordered the punishment to James on Wednesday.
In a statement, the IHRB found that he acted in a manner prejudicial to the integrity and good reputation of horse racing".
James has yet to break his silence since receiving the ban but issued an apology last week.
He said: “I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media.
“I would just like of 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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James rode Elliott’s Milan Native to victory at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
He has also seen his point-to-point training permit suspended for the same time period.
Last week, Elliott was banned for a year – six months suspended – after a picture circulated of the 43-year-old sitting on a dead horse.
However, the IHRB have found no link between the incidents.
READ MORE:Gordon Elliott’s dead horse photo sees Betfair immediately end association with trainer
READ MORE:Gordon Elliott issues second apology after UK racing ban over dead horse photo
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