Rob James has apologised over a video which shows him jumping onto, and sitting on, a dead horse.
The video emerged on social media on Monday with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board saying early on Tuesday that it is aware of its existence and that the matter is under investigation.
James is an amateur jockey from Wexford. He rode Milan Native to victory for Gordon Elliot in the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham last year.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board are aware of further social media content circulating and the matter is under investigation.
— IHRB (@ihrb_ie) March 2, 2021
"I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media," James told The Irish Field.
"I would just like of apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.
"I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions.
"To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly the sport I love.
"I am heartbroken by the damage I have caused and will do my best to try and make amends to those hurt by my conduct."
The IHRB's investigation into the video featuring James comes just days after it announced that it was investigating a photo of Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse at his gallops in Meath.
Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
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