Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Rob James has apologised after footage emerged on social media of him mounting a dead horse.
A video of James appeared in the wake of trainer Gordon Elliott's apology for his 'indefensible' actions of sitting on a dead horse. Elliott is under investigation from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
Wexford point to point rider James spoke to the Irish Field and admitted it was he who was captured in the video.
“I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like to apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.
"I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry, and all followers of horse racing for my actions.
"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.”
Rob James rode the Gordon Elliott trained Milan Native to victory in the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham last year.
This latest matter is now under investigation by the IHRB.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board are aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation.
— IHRB (@ihrb_ie) March 2, 2021
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