A disciplinary panel convened by the British Horseracing Authority has issued an 18-month ban to national hunt jockey Robbie Dunne after he was found guilty of bullying female rider Bryony Frost over a sustained period, reports racingpost.com. The last three months of the ban have been suspended.
“We are unable to accept Mr. Dunne's sweep of denials, criticisms and his reasoning,” disciplinary panel chair Brian Barker said. “The tenor and type of language that we find was used towards Ms Frost is totally unacceptable, whatever the frustrations about her style and whatever the habits of the weighing room. They fall squarely within the ambit of the prohibition set out in the rule.
“Secondly, in reviewing the evidence given and their approach by jockeys of repute as well as by the valets – who probably find themselves in a difficult position – we have real concern that what was referred to by Mr Weston as the 'weighing room culture' is deep-rooted and coercive, and in itself is not conducive to the good health and the development of modern day race-riding.”
Over the course of the hearing, Frost's representative Louis Weston told the panel that Dunne had used “foul, sexually abusive and misogynistic language” toward Frost as well as threats to “cause her serious physical harm.”
Dunne's representative Roderick Moore argued that other female jockeys had not spoken out about malevolent behavior from Dunne.
“The isolation I felt for speaking out I wouldn't wish on anyone,” Frost said from the stand. “You are asking me for my opinion and they [the other female riders] have to go into the weighing room every day. I feel they are protecting themselves and, rightly so, staying neutral.”
Dunne gave testimony on Tuesday this week, arguing that when he said he would “put her through a wing,” he didn't mean it as a threat.
“It's a common thing that's said in the weighing room,” said Dunne. “Never once have I seen someone go through with it. It's just a matter of speech . . . it wasn't a threat, it was a figure of speech.”
Continuing the theme of Frost's isolation since she filed her complaint, it was also revealed this week was that a group of valets at Fontwell Park had refused to work for Frost on Tuesday.
In a statement to the Racing Post after Thursday's sanctions had been handed down, Frost said: “I would like to thank every individual including the racing public that has supported me not only during the last couple of weeks but throughout.
“I wish now to take a few days to reflect on the outcome before I make any further comment. I ask the media to please give me and the people closest to me a few days of privacy. I need to focus on my upcoming rides over the weekend. Thank you.”
Read more at racingpost.com.
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