Reigning champion jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot has had his suspension from racing extended another six months by France Galop as a result of being charged with rape.
Boudot, 28, was released on €50,000 [$60,710] bail after spending two days in police custody, having been charged with the rape of a 25-year-old female work rider. This followed an investigation into a complaint made following a party in Cagnes-Sur-Mer on France's Cote d'Azur in February.
A statement from France Galop released on Friday read: “France Galop's commissioners have examined the statements made by the jockeys Pierre-Charles Boudot and Pierre Bazire, who are currently under investigation by an examining magistrate from Senlis Judicial Tribunal, with a view to potentially extending the precautionary measures taken against them on May 14, 2021.
“Though these two jockeys are still presumed innocent, in view of the ongoing legal proceedings that concern said jockeys, the gravity of the allegations and the damage they would cause to the image, legality and safety of horse racing, as well as the organization of any bets pertaining to horse races, the commissioners have decided to suspend, as a precautionary measure and for a duration of six months, the aforementioned jockeys' authorization to ride, in accordance with the provisions stated in article 216 of the French horse racing code.
“These measures may be lifted or extended at any time, taking into consideration any additional elements that may be brought to the attention of France Galop's commissioners.”
Boudot, champion jockey in 2015, 2016 and 2020, has become one of the world's top riders. He won the 2019 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Waldgeist, has ridden the winners of four French Classics and rode two winners at last year's Breeders' Cup.
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