The video circulating on social media shows James and a few others in a field with a dead horse just lying there. As the group laughs, James leaps on the horse’s back, posing as if he’s about to ride it.
WARNING: The following video may be disturbing to some viewers.
According to The Irish Field, the video was taken in April 2016 and has only resurfaced recently. In a statement to the racing and equestrian publication, James expressed remorse for his actions.
“I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like of apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016,” he said.
He continued, saying he was embarrassed by his actions.“I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horse racing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions,” he said. “To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly the sport I love.”
The disturbing clip of the jockey sparked backlash on social media, especially coming on the heels of trainer Gordon Elliott, whose trained horses that James has ridden, having a similar photo surface, according to The Guardian. Many people called for the racing community to bring both James and Elliot to justice and hold them accountable. One person criticized James’ apology and called for him and Elliot to be banned from racing for life.
Ed Chamberlin, a presenter for ITV Racing, didn’t mention the incidents specifically but noted that it’s been a “dark few days” for horse racing and said that he felt sorry for people who “have total commitment and devotion to their horses.”
The Irish Horse Regulatory Board appeared to reference the clip in a tweet from Tuesday morning and said that it was under investigation. It also tweeted that the Regulatory Board is scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss an investigation into Elliot.
According to the Racing Post, Elliot had been banned by the British Horseracing Authority. Elliot told the Post that he regretted his actions. “It is indefensible. Whether alive or dead, the horse was entitled to dignity. A moment of madness that I am going to have to spend the rest of my life paying for and that my staff are suffering form,” he said.
Newsweek reached out to the IHRB for comment.
