Jockey Rob James celebrates winning the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase during day three of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Jockey Rob James has apologised after a video of his sitting on a dead horse was circulated on social media.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board said it is aware of and investigating the footage, which has been shared this week, since a similar picture of trainer Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse also went viral, for which he later apologised.
The video shows the Irish rider straddling the body of a horse, in front of onlookers, as laughter can be heard.
Rob, who rode the Gordon Elliott-trained Milan Native to victory at the Cheltenham Festival last year, said he was “heartbroken by the damage” he had caused.
He told the Irish Field he wanted to apologise for his actions, which were “wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare”, adding that the horse had suffered a heart attack at exercise that morning, 30 April 2016.
“I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry and all followers of horseracing for my actions,” he added.
Rob said trying to defend his “stupidity” would “add further insult and hurt” to those people who had supported him in his career, and that he had embarrassed his employers, his 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 in a statement: “We are aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
