Jockey Robert Winston has licence revoked in Bahrain after losing his job

Robert Winston has had his licence revoked after losing his job shortly after making a triumphant but short-lived return to race-riding in Bahrain.

He rode two winners from two mounts on the country’s first day of the season last month, only to have his employment with trainer Paul Smith terminated a few days later.

The 45-year-old, who has quit the saddle twice previously and was riding for the first time since 2022, has now had his licence revoked.

• Group 1-winning jockey Robert Winston has licence suspended by Bahrain Turf Club 

When the news first emerged that the jockey had run into difficulties, a spokesperson for the Bahrain Turf Club said: “Following an incident involving Mr Robert Winston, his licence was suspended by the Bahrain Turf Club and it is the subject of an ongoing investigation.”

Paul Barton, chief steward at the Rashid Equestrian Horseracing Club (REHC), said on Sunday: “Robert Winston came here and wanted a licence from the REHC. We did our due diligence with the BHA and the IHRB. Neither had any objection to him having a licence.

“We have local riders and people who come in and are residents for the season, they stay on a contract. He came on a contract and his contract was cancelled last week – and with it his work visa. Therefore he can no longer hold an REHC licence. 

“His licence has been revoked because he is no longer a resident here and doesn’t have a contract or work visa.”

Asked why his contract had been cancelled, Barton said: “You need to discuss that with his employer.”

Winston enjoyed plenty of success during his career in Britain, landing two Group 1 races and looking on course to be champion jockey in 2005 until suffering season-ending injuries in a fall at Ayr.

Librisa Breeze: a Group 1 winner for Robert Winston in the Champions SprintCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

He first quit riding in 2019, citing issues with his weight, but returned two years later. He added seven winners to his career tally of over 1,600 in 2022 and had a licence to ride in Ireland in 2023 but did not take any mounts.

Winston is believed to be back in Britain but has not responded to a request for comment from the Racing Post.

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