Australian Rider Banned For 6 Months For Headbutt

Jockey Banned Until 22nd October

Luke Tarrant has been handed a 6 month ban following an incident at Doomben on Wednesday.

The Australian jockey, who’s first major win came back in 2014, reportedly head-butted fellow rider Larry Cassidy during an altercation at the the track.

Both jockeys apparently had a verbal confrontation before Tarrant lost his cool and he has since pleaded guilty.

A steward’s report said: "Jockey L. Tarrant pleaded guilty to a charge under AR115(1)(a) in that he misconducted himself after being involved in a verbal altercation with jockey L. Cassidy in the vicinity of the scales area by head-butting jockey Cassidy, resulting in his helmet making contact with the nose of jockey Cassidy and causing jockey Cassidy an injury. In considering penalty, stewards took into account the significant contact to jockey Cassidy and also the breach of the Covid-19 social distancing protocols currently in place, and the potential for his actions to have an adverse effect on the racing industry."

As it stands his ban will expire 22nd October.