Noel Callow suspended for three months following altercation with fellow jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor

Noel Callow has been hit with a hefty ban for a physical altercation with rival jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor, and the dramatic sequence of events can be revealed.

Kyle Wilson-Taylor told fellow jockey Noel Callow “I’m not scared of you” before a physical altercation between the duo which has now seen Callow suspended for three months by racing stewards.

The stewards’ inquiry into the dramatic race-day physical bust-up was finalised on Thursday with multiple Group 1 jockey Callow receiving a hefty ban.

However, stewards ordered that if Callow provided evidence he had completed an anger management course and seen a sports psychologist, the suspension would be reduced to two months.

Callow has already apologised in writing and has taken “steps in seeking assistance with anger management”.

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The stewards’ inquiry was held behind closed doors, but details of the altercation can now be revealed.

The stewards’ report states as follows:

• Following the running of race 6 at Doomben on Wednesday 28 May 2025

both Mr Wilson-Taylor and Mr Callow presented to steward Simon Fletcher to weigh in for their respective rides in race 6.

• Mr Wilson-Taylor proceeded to the scales to weigh in with Mr Callow positioned behind him awaiting his turn to weigh in.

• Mr Callow then positioned himself in close proximity to Mr Wilson-Taylor that

then resulted in Mr Wilson-Taylor making contact with Mr Callow in order to exit the scales.

• Mr Wilson-Taylor has then made the comment “I’m not scared of you” to Mr

Callow.

• Mr Callow then proceeded to weigh in as Mr Wilson-Taylor then proceeded into the male jockeys’ room.

• Upon completing being weighed in, Mr Callow has then proceeded to run into the male jockeys’ room in pursuit of Mr Wilson-Taylor.

• Mr Callow has then made aggressive contact to Mr Wilson-Taylor from behind resulting in a physical altercation ensuing between Mr Callow and Mr Wilson-Taylor resulting in both Mr Callow and Mr Wilson-Taylor falling to the ground.

• Shortly after falling onto the ground Mr Wilson-Taylor has then struck Mr Callow twice to the head whilst positioned on top of Mr Callow before other riders, along with steward Mr Fletcher, have then been able to separate Mr Callow and Mr Wilson-Taylor.

Jockey Noel Callow (left) has been suspended for three months over a race-day bust-up with fellow hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor.

The stewards’ inquiry resumed this week with Callow pleading guilty to an improper conduct charge which was levelled by stewards.

Callow had previously been unable to give evidence before the inquiry as he had left the course on the day to seek medical attention.

Callow has not ridden since the incident, after being out of action under a 12-day concussion protocol.

Wilson-Taylor was advised by stewards this week he would not be facing any stewards’ charges over the matter.

It frees Wilson-Taylor to ride on Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap day where he will partner Chris and Corey Munce-trained galloper Payline in the Stradbroke.

The stewards’ inquiry also took evidence from jockeys Jake Bayliss, Robbie Dolan and Cody Collis who gave witness statements.

Callow made submissions on penalty via his legal counsel.

The stewards’ report noted some of Callow’s penalty submissions, as follows:

• As quickly as the exchange escalated, it de-escalated and was finished. It might have taken 15 or 20 seconds.

• This was not an incident thought out and planned beforehand. It was a momentary loss of temper, and any penalty should reflect that.

• There was initiation of the altercation by Callow but that must be weighed against his subsequent restraint, his co-operation during the inquiry, early guilty plea, and steps taken toward rehabilitation.

• The conduct was out of character with Callow’s conduct over recent times and is unlikely to be repeated. He has shown insight by taking steps in seeking assistance with anger management. He has apologised in writing by his letter dated 31 May 2025.

The stewards noted “evidence provided by both riders” of escalating tension between them leading up to the day of the altercation however, “that is no excuse for the actions taken by Mr Callow.”

Callow’s suspension is backdated to when the dramatic incident occurred at the Doomben races last month.

Callow, with five Australian Group 1s to his name, has collected big-race wins all over the world, including a prolific stint in Singapore.

The larrikin jockey they call “King” had returned to being a formidable metropolitan riding force before the altercation with Wilson-Taylor.

Originally published as Noel Callow suspended for three months following altercation with fellow jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor