A NSW stablehand has received a three-month ban, suspended for 12 months, after posting a Facebook video showing him striking a female jockey on the backside with his whip during a jumpout at Muswellbrook.
Paul Ralston uploaded the footage of a three-horse jumpout on November 26 to his Facebook account, where Racing NSW noted he had “approximately 4,800 friends” and the video generated significant attention — more than 249,000 views, 5,600 likes and over 80 comments and shares.
Racing NSW General Manager of Investigations Daniel Hadley outlined the publicly visible content in his report.
“The video depicted three thoroughbred horses loaded in barriers, with Mr Ralston positioned in the widest barrier and two horses to his inside,” the report stated. “A licensed female jockey occupied the barrier directly to his inside. After the horses jumped, the female jockey began more positively and shortly after the start, Mr Ralston raised his whip in his right hand and struck the female jockey forcefully, making contact with her buttocks.”
Ralston and other participants were interviewed on December 1, and the stablehand was subsequently issued two charges: improper conduct for striking the fellow rider, and conduct prejudicial to the image and interests of racing for posting the video online.
Ralston pleaded not guilty to both charges, however stewards found both charges proven. His three-month disqualification was fully suspended for one year.
