Irish Turf Club must learn its lesson over Russell ‘punching horse’ case

Sep 05, 2017

In future, if a jockey on a British track lashes out at a horse, they can and should expect swift and stern justice. It is to be hoped that the same will now also be true in Ireland

The damaging and extended controversy which began when Davy Russell punched a horse before a race at Tramore on 18 August drew towards a close on Tuesday, when the Irish Turf Club’s appeals panel increased the rider’s punishment to a four-day suspension. Russell received only a caution at an earlier hearing, an outcome that prompted criticism by leading animal-welfare organisations in the UK and Ireland.

Russell’s punch to the head of his mount, Kings Dolly, provoked widespread anger and astonishment when video of the incident circulated widely on social media. The Irish Turf Club will now feel that it has drawn a line under the episode before Irish Champions Weekend, the country’s showpiece Flat meeting which opens on Saturday with stars including Churchill, Winter, Order Of St George and Big Orange due to be in action at Leopardstown and The Curragh.

Tags: British Horseracing Authority Horse racing Sport