Jockey Robbie Dunne has been given an 18-month riding suspension, three of which was suspended for racing for harassing and bullying colleague Bryony Frost when the British Equestrian Authority Disciplinary Panel ruled in Thursday morning. Dunne’s suspension begins immediately and he has seven days to appeal.
Charged with a total of seven counts, Dunne was found guilty of four counts of favoring horse riding – rule (J) 19 – and three counts of violent conduct and intimidation, with just one count denied. The three-man panel, chaired by Brian Barker, QC, found that the first four were proven and the latter three remained unreviewed. Most of the incidents took place in the last year, when Dunne was found by a jury to have threatened Frost by promising to “take her across the aisle.” [of a fence]“In September and he was also charged with using illogical language.
“Our conclusion on the whole of the evidence is that a deliberate act over a long period of time has been revealed,” Baker said. “This has progressed from nasty targeting to intentional harassment on and off the course and onward, sometimes dangerous instances of bullying. We found that words used on September 3rd, as a promise, would cause real harm – over and above the usual ‘killer’ mantra.
“In reviewing Ms. Frost’s evidence and attitude, we found her to be honest, thoughtful and persuasive. By filing a complaint with the authorities, she broke the code [of the weighing room], knowing that her isolation — and rejection by some — was inevitable. ”
“Behind the four elements set forth in rule (J) 19, we find those proven.
“We note that you are following a culture that appears to be approved by your peers, and we are particularly aware that your livelihood will be significantly impacted. We have specifically informed the medical report, we understand your pain at the loss of your best friend [Liam Treadwell].
He added, “In our view, there is a combination of factors that put this fundamentally beyond the entry point. We agree the appropriate approach is to issue concurrent sentences, our view on the whole is that the appropriate sentence is one of 18 months of license suspension. We did not consider a financial penalty appropriate.”
Frost, who was riding at Warwick on Thursday, said in a statement, “I would like to thank every individual, including the racing public, who has supported me not only over the past few weeks but throughout my time. past time.
“I now want to take a few days to think about the results before I make any further comments. I ask the media to please give me and those closest to me a few days of privacy. I need to focus on my upcoming trip for the weekend. Thank you.”
Britain’s Equestrian Authority released a statement following the council’s results. It reads in part:
“The British Horsepower Authority (BHA) welcomes the conclusion of the Independent Disciplinary Panel that jockey Robbie Dunne had breached the four counts of Rule (J) 19 and imposed an 18-month ban on with him.
“In our view, this decision, and the independent panel’s comments, reflect the seriousness of the allegations. It sends a clear message that behavior of this nature cannot be tolerated in any of our sports work environments. This is the groundbreaking case for motorsport in the UK, the first of its kind, and it is important that it serves as a catalyst for further change in the industry.
“We understand that, for the vast majority of people working in the sport – and especially in the racers weight room – it is a positive, supportive and welcoming place. We recognize the pressures on people participating in this sport, and the temperature will sometimes be raised.
“However, having a line is what is acceptable. It’s important that when something goes wrong, people feel that they can point to bad behavior, and not be forced to suffer in silence. The Chairman of the Independent Judiciary Council expressed concern about these issues in his judgment. We urge everyone in the industry to recognize this.
“By stepping forward to report the behavior she was performing on the receiving end, Bryony Frost took a courageous step. We hope that others who may be in a similar position will feel comfortable doing the same.
“Nothing is more important than our people and our horses. We must take aggressive steps in the sport to ensure that British motorsport is a friendly place to work for everyone.
“Ultimately, we recognize that this has been a difficult period for everyone involved, especially for Robbie Dunne and Bryony Frost. We ask that your privacy and happiness be respected. Importantly, both are now supported by the BHA, their colleagues, and their agency, the PJA. ”
For the full BHA report, please click here.
