Frankie Dettori escapes sanction after JRA beef over Instagram post

Frankie Dettori has avoided punishment after the Japan Racing Association called on him to explain how his Instagram account had been updated while he was under 'lockdown' before this weekend's racing.

Under strict rules imposed by the JRA all jockeys have to be in the racecourse jockeys' centre from 9pm on the evening before racing.

They are allowed to have their phones with them, but they are not allowed to use them, communication with the outside world being strictly prohibited in order to avoid any suggestion of corruption.

A photo of Dettori enjoying a day out at a Kobe beef farm on Friday appeared on his account after 9pm, but he escaped sanction after he explained it had initially been sent before curfew, then posted later by a secretary at home in England.

He was reminded, nevertheless, of the strict regulations, which in 2015 saw Christophe Lemaire banned for 30 days after posting during lockdown on the weekend he arrived in Japan.

Dettori has a huge following in Japan and has won the Japan Cup three times, on Singspiel (1996), Falbrav (2002) and Alkaased (2005).

He finished only tenth on Look Twice behind Oisin Murphy on Suave Richard in the latest running but enjoyed three wins over the weekend and was mobbed by eager fans.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app