Jockey Robbie Dunne banned for 18 months by British Horseracing Authority for bullying, harassment of female rider Bryony Frost

Irish jockey Robbie Dunne has received an 18-month suspension after being found guilty of bullying and harassing female rider Bryony Frost in a high-profile disciplinary case.

The verdict follows a two-week hearing that raised serious concerns about the jockeys' culture in UK racing.

Dunne was found in breach on four counts of conduct prejudicial to horse racing by an independent three-person disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority.

He had been charged with seven breaches in total.

The other three charges, of violent and threatening behaviour, are yet to be considered. Three months of his 18-month ban are suspended.

Dunne has seven days to appeal the decision.

Earlier this week, in final submissions to the panel, Louis Weston — representing the BHA at the hearing — had warned that the sport exerted "pressure on those who would otherwise speak freely".

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