Jockey John Stephens disqualified for nine months for his outburst at Callaghan Park

A jockey who attacked a horse trainer at a Central Queensland race course has been punished by stewards. Watch the video of the incident here.

A jockey has been disqualified for nine months after attacking a horse trainer with a bridle at a Central Queensland racecourse.

Rockhampton’s John Stephens pleaded guilty to two charges of improper conduct after the incident at Callaghan Park on June 13.

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards charged Mr Stephens with breaching the Rules of Racing after an attack on horse trainer Ricky Vale in the tie-up stalls.

Mr Stephens was hit with a second charge after his actions caused nearby horses to become fractious, resulting in a horse escaping and another breaking its halter.

A stewards’ inquiry into the incident was held on June 16 and after evidence was taken from several licensees, was adjourned to July 11.

Stewards ruled the appropriate penalty for charge one was nine months disqualification and for charge two, four months disqualification.

They ordered that both disqualifications be served concurrently.

The disqualification, which started on Monday, will be in place up to and including April 17, 2023.

QRIC deputy chief steward Daniel Aurisch said the penalty was appropriate given the seriousness of the charges.

“The use of violence on a racetrack or anywhere involving licence holders has no place whatsoever in the industry,” he said.

“All licence holders and racing participants must be able to attend their workplace without the fear, threat or presence of violence.

“Mr Stephens’ actions also caused an unnecessary animal welfare risk to the horses nearby, and this will not be tolerated.”