G1 jockey stood down after racially offensive video surfaces

Group 1-winning jockey Noel Callow has been stood down from riding after being charged by racing stewards over a racially offensive video in which he mocked an Indigenous man. The video, understood to have been filmed in Darwin last year, came to light this week and prompted an investigation by Queensland stewards.

On Friday, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) announced that Callow had been charged with two counts of conduct prejudicial to the image of racing under Australian Rule of Racing AR 228(a). The matter has been adjourned to allow Callow time to seek legal advice before entering a plea.

However, stewards acted immediately, suspending Callow’s jockey licence in full pending the outcome of the inquiry. “The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has today convened a Stewards’ Inquiry and issued two charges under Australian Rule of Racing AR 228(a) against licensed jockey Mr Noel Callow,” a QRIC statement said.

“The charges relate to conduct alleged to have occurred approximately one year ago while Mr Callow was not riding at, or attending, a race meeting and was not at any racecourse. It is alleged Mr Callow engaged in conduct prejudicial to the image of racing.

“Acting under AR 23(a), the Stewards have suspended Mr Callow’s jockey licence in full, pending the outcome of the inquiry. Mr Callow has been informed of his right of appeal in respect of this decision.

“QRIC takes matters concerning conduct, welfare, and integrity seriously and will continue to ensure all participants are held to the highest professional and behavioural standards.”

The suspension means that Noel Callow will be unable to take his booked rides at the upcoming Darwin Cup carnival. As a result, star jockey Nash Rawiller has been confirmed to take the mount on Bear Story in Monday’s $200,000 Darwin Cup.