Jockey Noel Callow Hit with Second Ban for Racist Video Incident
Controversial Australian jockey Noel Callow has been handed another suspension after a fresh video emerged showing him engaging in what authorities have termed racist and prejudicial conduct. This marks the second time Callow has been disciplined for such behaviour, further tarnishing his already chequered reputation in the racing world.
A History of Controversial Incidents
Noel Callow, a 50-year-old rider with over 2,000 career wins including five at elite Group 1 level, has found himself at the centre of multiple scandals. Last year, he received a two-month suspension following a concussive fight with another jockey that he reportedly instigated. Then, in August, he was disqualified for ten months after a video he filmed himself using racially charged language while cycling through Darwin was widely shared.
The latest incident involves another video recorded in Darwin away from racecourse premises. In the footage, Callow is heard making offensive remarks including telling a member of the public on three occasions to give us a look at your bottom teeth. The video was initially published on WhatsApp before circulating more broadly, prompting the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to take action.
Stewards Deliver Stern Verdict
The stewards panel considered the case on Monday, examining charges of conduct detrimental to the image of racing. In their ruling, they stated: Stewards regard conduct involving racist language as inherently serious, as such conduct is objectively offensive, incompatible with community expectations, and capable of causing significant harm to the reputation of racing, regardless of whether it occurs on or off the racecourse.
The panel noted the aggravated nature of the offence, highlighting that Callow had recorded the conduct himself and disseminated the footage, creating a foreseeable risk of wider publication. They emphasised that once publicly circulated, such material has clear capacity to undermine public confidence in racing and damage the industry's standing.
Mitigating Factors and Penalty Considerations
During proceedings, Callow pleaded guilty to the offence and expressed remorse for his actions. He told stewards he had struggled to secure work following previous conduct matters and had suffered mentally as a consequence. The panel acknowledged these mitigating factors, noting Callow had taken steps to educate himself and address aspects of his behaviour since the incident.
However, stewards drew a distinction between this case and previous incidents, stating: While the earlier videos could be characterised as opportunistic or impulsive conduct occurring in the moment, the discernible deliberate character of the conduct in the present video takes it to a higher level of culpability.
Deterrence and Industry Message
The five-month additional ban, which will keep Callow off the track until August 2026, was deemed necessary to achieve both specific and general deterrence. The ruling explained: Specific deterrence is necessary to reinforce to Mr Callow the seriousness with which racist and prejudicial conduct is regarded and to discourage any repetition of such behaviour, while general deterrence is of particular importance to ensure a clear message is sent that racist conduct, whether on or off the racecourse and whether intended as humour or otherwise, will not be tolerated.
This latest sanction extends what has become a pattern of disciplinary action against the jockey, whose career achievements now stand in stark contrast to his repeated breaches of conduct standards. The racing industry continues to grapple with how best to address such behaviour while maintaining public confidence in the sport.
