Jockey investigated over head punch

Darryl Sherer - Monday August 21

A jumps jockey is being investigated after allegedly punching a horse in the head before a race.

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Davy Russell. Photo: RTE

The Irish Turf Club is looking into an incident at Tramore last Friday. Kings Dolly was being presented at the show hurdle by Davy Russell before the Flynn Hotel Group Mares Handicap Hurdle and came to an abrupt halt

Footage below appears to show the incident, Russell in the brown jacket, red cap.

The race-day stewards were not aware of the incident but the Turf Club has the power to take retrospective action if it is deemed appropriate.

Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan told the Sporting Life the matter was brought to his attention the day after the event.

"We only became aware of it late Saturday evening and it is being fully investigated," Egan said.

"As part of the investigation, we will examine whatever footage is available and decide then whether or not any rules have been broken."

King's Dolly finished eighth in the two mile race as a 9/1 chance.

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