Alarming increase in online abuse of jockeys MUST be stamped out

THE resilience of jockeys is well documented. Physically, they go through the pain barrier on a regular basis up and down the country, while dangers consistently lurk when working with racehorses.

However, the mental toll of the profession is less highlighted but can be equally draining. Online abuse is on the rise and social media companies seem to have little appetite to effectively combat a growing problem.

Today, the Racing Post are revealing the extent of social media abuse suffered by jockeys. From seasoned champions to young apprentices, the online trolls are out in force.

In 2017, rider Ciaran Gethings was subject to some nasty vitriol after unseating at Hereford. As a result, he said he was ‘nearly ashamed’ to show his face at a racecourse.

Saffie Osborne suffered horrendous abuse in June. The 19-year-old apprentice rider shrugged off what can only be described as sinister threats but her father, and top trainer, Jamie made it public and drew the line, pointing out that it ‘was way too far’. Racing rallied in support. Figures such as Mark Johnston, Joe Fanning, Paddy Brennan and Hayley Turner highlighted their own battles against the trolls.

‘These things go on all the time,’ said Britain’s most-winning trainer Johnston, a couple of months ago. ‘Some can be very nasty, like the one with Saffie, which was very serious indeed. It made a number of threats and really nasty comments, including one of violence. We’ve had a similar one recently, which is in the hands of the police.’

Trolls can be selective with their targets. Usually, the target is someone young and trying to make their way in life, who may feel the pressure and comments more than established professionals in their respective industry.

In October 2020, Osborne suffered a heavy fall on Zeyzoun at Windsor. In a Flat race at 35mph two furlongs from home, it was one of the most frightening incidents of recent times in a sport riddled with dangers. She was rushed to hospital and suffered a punctured lung, broken arm and broken ribs. At 18 and as a 7lbs claimer, it was a crashcourse in the perils of racing.

Osborne is a 19-year-old jockey with a bright future. She’s had 26 winners this calendar year and is on course to successfully ride out her claim. She is top of the inaugural Racing League jockey standings at the halfway point and her team lead the 10-strong table.

So it’s fair to say it’s going to take a lot more than some crude words to stop Osborne but that’s no reason to not continue to highlight how unacceptable online abuse is.