Jockey Jerome Claudic has been suspended for one month after a disciplinary inquiry found he headbutted a guest and made racist remarks at ParisLongchamp.
Incident at corporate hospitality
The incident occurred after racing in July, when Claudic attempted to enter a corporate hospitality area reserved for guests of a garden furniture design business. Staff tried to stop him, and he became aggressive and insulting.
The disciplinary panel was told that Claudic, who appeared "heavily intoxicated", unleashed "a torrent of insults" at France Galop and described guests as "buffoons". His outburst, which included racist comments, was filmed by the company's head of digital, whom he ordered to stop filming, saying, "If you keep filming, I'm going to slap you". He then delivered a "completely unprovoked headbutt" to a France Galop staff member.
Threats and apologies
As he was escorted out, Claudic shouted "death threats, threats of physical violence, and racist remarks", including "You two are dead men walking".
In his defence, Claudic said he had been looking for somewhere to watch football and lost his temper when he saw someone filming him. He denied headbutting anyone and said he had only drunk a "small glass" of alcohol but was tired and annoyed.
He apologised and said he had never behaved that way before, adding that jockeys feel unwelcome at Longchamp and he would never return.
Ban and referral
The France Galop stewards said Claudic's behaviour was "absolutely intolerable and unacceptable" and damaged the image of racing. He was referred to the France Galop Medical Department for potential follow-up and suspended for one month, with a further three months suspended for five years.
