Four jockeys including top rider Jamie Kah are facing disciplinary hearings, accused of breaching Victoria’s lockdown restrictions.
It’s alleged Jamie Kah, Ethan Brown, Ben Melham and apprentice jockey Celine Gaudray were at an Airbnb in Mornington with two other people on Wednesday night.
“These individuals could have put at risk the very continuance of our sport and also blatantly disregarded the broader community implications through their selfish and thoughtless actions,” Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said in a statement.
He cautioned the alleged breaches did not reflect the rest of the industry, which was working hard to comply with the rules.
“To see all of that potentially thrown away by the reckless behaviour of a small few is incredibly disappointing and far from what is expected of our industry participants,” he said.
He also warned of the “critical need” for the industry to follow COVID directives coming up to the Spring Racing carnival.
The four have been charged with failing to comply with the directions of racing stewards and an inquiry into the incident will continue on Friday morning.
RV stewards found the jockeys had breached state government stay-at-home orders, and in so doing the requirements of the racing body.
The jockeys have been banned from attending race meetings or licensed venues for at least two weeks, and until cleared by stewards and negative COVID-19 tests have been provided.
Racing Victoria says more than 750 race meetings have been held safely since the pandemic began.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup carnival was held without spectators at the usually packed Flemington Racecourse.
AAP
Read more:
