Robbie Dunne: Jockey wins with first ride since 10-month ban for bullying and harassing Bryony Frost
Robbie Dunne was banned from riding for 10 months after being found guilty of bullying and harassing Bryony Frost; Dunne returned to the saddle at Hereford on Tuesday, steering 11/4 shot Ernesto to victory for trainer Ian Williams
Tuesday 11 October 2022 15:44, UK
Robbie Dunne made a winning return from a 10-month suspension as he steered Ernesto to victory at Hereford.
Dunne was initially banned in December for 18 months, with three months suspended, having been found to have bullied and harassed fellow jockey Bryony Frost.
The jockey was subject to a week-long hearing at British Horseracing Authority headquarters last year, where an independent panel found him in breach of the rules covering conduct prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing for a series of incidents between February 13, 2020 and September 3, 2020.
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His suspension was subsequently reduced to 10 months on appeal, leaving Dunne free to return to the saddle on Sunday.
His comeback at Hereford on Tuesday saw him take three rides for three different trainers, with Ian William's Ernesto supplying the victory when winning the Black Mountain Botanicals Handicap Hurdle at 11/4.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports Racing, Dunne said: "It has been a horrible time for all parties involved and I am truly sorry for the unfortunate incident at Southwell.
"But it is time to draw a long line under it all and leave the past where it belongs.
"I just want to get on with my riding career now and support my fiance Katie, who has supported me through some traumatic times, and my lovely young daughter Ava-Mae as she is very important to both of us.
"I have to also thank everyone for their backing through this in the industry and outside of the racing bubble.
"They all know the real Robbie Dunne and it is not the one that has sometimes been portrayed in certain parts of the media.
"A vast number of owners and trainers up and down the country have stuck by me through what have been obviously very difficult circumstances and I will do my utmost to repay that very important support and trust.
"I want to be the best individual and jockey I possibly can be, so my riding is going to do all the talking from now on."
Owner Colin Mander, who runs his horses under the Midtech banner, added: "Everybody deserves second chances in life - that is all I want to say. It's nice to see him back and back on a winner."
Dunne's weighing room colleague Sam Twiston-Davies, who won the following race on Whatsdastory, said: "Obviously it is great to see him have a winner. Everyone gets on with everyone at the end of the day. It is was nice to see Bryony have her first winner after an injury (on Sunday) and then Robbie back from his ban.
"At the end of the day, he is a very well-liked member of the weighing room, as is Bryony, and it is nice to have them back riding winners.
"The weighing room is a different place. But at the end of the day we all have to try and work together and beat each other. A happy medium, everyone get along and have some fun along the way, and long may it continue."
