Jockey banned for six months after headbutting rival rider

Australian rider Luke Tarrant has been banned from race-riding for six months after headbutting another jockey at Doomben on Wednesday.

Tarrant had a verbal altercation with fellow rider Larry Cassidy by the weighing area of the track before then headbutting him, with his helmet striking Cassidy's nose, causing an injury.

The altercation is believed to have started just after the finish of the ninth race on the card, in which Tarrant finished seventh and Cassidy eighth.

Tarrant was charged with misconduct under AR115(1)(a), which he pleaded guilty to. He also broke additional social distancing rules which were taken into account with the six-month punishment that was handed down. He is suspended with immediate effect until October 22.

In July 2019, Tarrant was stood down by the Queensland stewards after being placed on probation in a criminal court in relation to drugs charges. But three months later, he was fined A$950 (£487) and had his licence reinstated, while agreeing to adhere to a rehabilitation programme.

Tarrant's biggest career winner came with Look To The Stars in the Group 2 Mitavite Australia BRC Sires' Produce Stakes in 2015.

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