Trainer Jamie Osborne received a three-month ban, suspended for six months, after taking a photograph of a woman's 'clothed bottom' without her consent to share in a WhatsApp chat group called 'Great Bums'. The incident occurred at a race meeting last summer, and the details emerged after a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary inquiry.
Incident at Race Meeting
The 58-year-old Lambourn trainer and former top jump jockey was at a race meeting when he engaged in a friendly conversation with Person A and her partner, Person B. Person B then noticed Osborne taking photographs of Person A on his mobile phone, including one of her clothed bottom without her consent.
According to the agreed facts of the case, a heated discussion ensued between Person B and Osborne, drawing the attention of a racecourse staff member. Person B reported what they had witnessed to the staff member.
Initial Denial and Admission
Osborne initially denied taking any photographs but later admitted to taking them and deleted them when asked. He showed his phone to Person A and Person B as he deleted the photos, confirming that at least one was of Person A's clothed bottom.
The couple reported Osborne to the stewards, and the trainer apologized for his actions at a subsequent inquiry. The hearing was told that the incident caused substantial embarrassment and upset to Person A and Person B, who felt Osborne initially tried to downplay his conduct.
Intent to Share in WhatsApp Group
During a later interview with investigators, Osborne accepted that he took the photograph with the intention of sharing it on a WhatsApp chat group of which he was a member, named 'Great Bums' or similar.
Osborne admitted breaching racing's code of conduct. His legal counsel, Kathryn Arnott-Drummond, argued that his business would have to close and 30 staff would lose their jobs if he lost his training licence.
Suspended Ban and Conditions
Osborne received a three-month suspension of his licence, suspended for six months. He was also ordered to provide a full written apology addressed to Person A and Person B to the BHA, undertake courses covering sexual harassment and misogyny at his own expense, and make a £3,000 donation to charity.
