IRISH JOCKEY DAVY Russell has been issued a four-day ban after punching a horse on the back of the head before a race.
Russell was aboard Kings Dolly, when he appeared to strike the animal while the pair were approaching a practise flight before a mares handicap hurdle on earlier this month.
BBC Sport reports that Russell aimed to hit the animal after the horse pulled up. Russell says he used his hand in order to get the horse to concentrate, and argued that it would have been inappropriate to use the whip.
He was initially cautioned by the Irish Turf Club following an inquiry into the incident at Tramore.
The organisation subsequently asked its appeal body to review the findings of the case, ‘on the grounds that it was unduly lenient.’
Russell was found to have breached Rule 272 – ‘acting in a way that was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horse racing.”
The stewards at the race course were unaware of the incident when it occurred, until footage began to circulate on social media, prompting outrage at the jockey’s actions.
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