The Irish Turf Club is set to investigate an incident in which Irish jockey Davy Russell can be seen to strike his mount Kings Dolly at Tramore on Friday.
Stalled before an obstacle prior to the evening's next fixture, the Cork native appears to throw a punch at the back of the horse's head.
In what amounts to a disturbing act of cruelty on Russell's part, Roger McGrath (the horse's trainer) subsequently sought to alleviate fears of any ill-effect to Kings Dolly: 'she has no ill effects. She ate up as soon as she got back.'
Left me wondering, how long jockeys should get banned for such behaviour?pic.twitter.com/tcPPfWJccA
— racingpete (@Betracingnation) August 19, 2017
With many quick to vent their outrage at Russell's actions, the desire to see him now serve an appropriate ban are plentiful. Any prospective ban however is unlikely to extend beyond a few days at most.
Davy Russell needs to be banned for a long time for punching his horse - what are you doing about it @BHAPressOffice ?
— JoelSaffer (@JoelSaffer) August 19, 2017
Jasus, Davy Russell, that's really disappointing.
— Declan Rix (@HawkWing2002) August 19, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Davy Russell as a jockey. But what on earth was he thinking. Actions have to be taken. A complete moment of madness.
— Stuart 'Jimbo' Williams (@Jimbo_JumpsMan) August 19, 2017
Yet, some support has been forthcoming.
Complete overreaction to the Davy Russell incident. Bit of perspective !
— frankbetting (@frankbetting) August 20, 2017
If Davy Russell thought a horse needed a smack round the ears, I don't think any of us are in a place to argue! https://t.co/xl6mSXnKix
— Clare Alexander (@clarealexander) August 20, 2017
Whole Davy Russell thing has been blown way out of proportion! Not nice to see for general spectator but ....
— Jordan (@Jordan_dufc) August 20, 2017
After a week in which Russell had been directly involved with the 'Hurling for Cancer Research' celebrity clash in Newbridge, this latest incident makes for less favourable viewing.
