Jockey says he is sorry for posing on a dead mare
CHELTENHAM-WINNING jockey Rob James has apologised after video footage emerged of him sitting on a dead horse.
The Wexford rider is being investigated by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) after the film was circulated on social media.
In the brief clip, James is one of four men attempting to move the horse with heavy machinery after it died from cardiac arrest.
The group can be heard laughing, and one of the men says “jump on her” before James puts his leg over the dead animal and straddles it.
The video emerged just a day after a photo showed trainer Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse, which is also under investigation by the IHRB.
Amateur jockey James, a winner at Cheltenham last year, apologised for his “stupidity” and the “embarrassment” he has caused.
He told The Irish Field that his actions were “wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare” who died during exercise on April 30, 2016. “I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horse racing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions,” James said.
“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.”
The IHRB said it was “aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation”.
Sports Minister Jack Chambers said he was “shocked, appalled and horrified” by the images that have emerged and said the welfare of animals should be the main priority of the horse racing sector.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, he said: “It is really concerning that two separate incidents in as many days have now emerged. The racing authorities need to establish the full facts of what has happened in these cases and in any other incidents of animal mistreatment which emerge.”