Professional jockey Kevin Keating has been handed a six-month suspension from racing after an independent disciplinary panel found him guilty of sending sexually inappropriate messages to a female colleague via Instagram.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed the verdict this week, revealing that Keating sent messages of a "sexual nature" that made the recipient feel "uncomfortable and upset." The incident occurred in January of this year, prompting an immediate investigation into the jockey's conduct.
Violation of Professional Conduct
The BHA disciplinary panel determined that Keating's actions constituted conduct prejudicial to horse racing's integrity and reputation. His messages were deemed to have breached the strict rules governing professional behaviour within the sport.
This case follows several other high-profile misconduct investigations within horse racing, highlighting ongoing concerns about professional standards and appropriate behaviour among racing professionals.
Six-Month Suspension and Consequences
Keating's suspension means he cannot participate in any professional racing activities during the six-month period. The ban serves as both punishment and deterrent, emphasizing that such behaviour will not be tolerated within the sport.
The female colleague involved in the case reported the messages through proper channels, demonstrating the effectiveness of racing's reporting procedures for addressing inappropriate conduct.
Broader Implications for Horse Racing
This incident raises further questions about conduct standards within professional horse racing. The BHA has been actively working to improve professional standards across the sport, with this case representing another test of their disciplinary processes.
Industry observers note that social media conduct has become an increasingly important aspect of professional behaviour standards, with several recent cases involving inappropriate online communications between racing professionals.
The BHA reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and ensuring all participants feel safe and respected within the racing community.
