'I'm truly sorry' - Robbie Dunne keen to move on after comeback winner

Robbie Dunne has broken his silence and said it is time to "leave the past where it belongs" after winning on his first ride back from a ten-month suspension for the bullying and harassment of Bryony Frost.

The jockey was initially banned in December for 18 months, with three months suspended, but his suspension was reduced to ten months on appeal and he was permitted to ride from Sunday.

Dunne had three rides at Hereford on Tuesday and he won with his first on Ernesto in the 3m1½f handicap hurdle for Ian Williams.

Winning return: Robbie Dunne and Ernesto (second left) jump the final flight to win on the jockey's first ride back from suspensionCredit: Edward Whitaker

In a statement to Sky Sports Racing, Dunne apologised for an incident involving Frost at Southwell in September 2020, having admitted at his hearing he had acted in a violent or improper manner towards his fellow rider on that occasion.

"It's been a horrible time for all parties involved," wrote Dunne. "I'm truly sorry for the unfortunate incident at Southwell, but it's 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 and support my fiancee Katie, who has supported me through some traumatic times, and my lovely young daughter Ava-Mae as she's very important to us both.

"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'll do my utmost to repay that very important support and trust.

"I want to be the best individual and jockey I can possibly be, so my riding is going to do all the talking from now on."

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Robbie Dunne returns to the saddle with a winner on Ernesto at Hereford

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