Robbie Dunne banned for 15 days after trying to hide fact he weighed out light

Jockey Robbie Dunne was on Thursday suspended for 15 days by a BHA disciplinary panel for his part in a conspiracy to hide the fact he had inadvertently weighed out light by concealing a lead weight down his breeches after a race.

Dunne offered an unreserved apology via his solicitor after admitting to making the rash decision after riding 7-4 favourite Rocknrollrambo to victory at Chepstow in 2017. Barry Pearson, a former member of stable staff for the horse's trainer Ian Williams, also apologised for the error of judgement and was suspended from racecourses for one month.

Rory Mac Neice, Dunne's solicitor, said: "Mr Dunne offers an unreserved and sincere apology and this should have been avoided. He admits he didn't do what he should've done and he should have said to the starter he needed to reweigh. Afterwards he should have told the clerk of the scales, but he didn't."

Dunne had weighed out correctly before the 2m7½f novice handicap chase on April 17, 2017, but it was discovered by Pearson that a lightweight Docker saddle had mistakenly been included and once removed resulted in the horse having the wrong racing weight.

Pearson, who has since left Williams to join trainer Kevin Frost, only informed Dunne of the situation as the pair left the paddock to go to the start, with the rider telling him to find a way to resolve the issue with his valet Graham Piper.

With the assistance of Piper, Pearson exchanged the Docker saddle with a 0.5lb weight which he concealed in his jacket and passed to Dunne after the race before the jockey slipped it down his left trouser leg to weigh in. This action was reported by a member of the public and was caught on camera as the pair made their way to the winner's enclosure.

Dunne, Pearson and Daniel Fortt, a valet who attended in place of Piper, were interviewed on the day by stewards, but the jockey and stable lad only admitted their actions in October 2017 following a fuller BHA investigation into the incident.

The BHA concluded the weight difference had not affected the result so the horse was not disqualified.

Rocknrollrambo: a winner under Dunne at ChepstowCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Pearson said: "I really apologise for what happened. I should not have panicked. I was under pressure that day, but I should've used my common sense and reported it. I can't believe I did what I did and I have also apologised to the BHA investigator for misleading him."

Dunne and Pearson were found in breach of rule (A)30 in that their conduct was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing.

The recommended entry point for breaches is a £2,000 fine or a three-month disqualification. The disciplinary panel, formed of Stuart Morrison (Chair), Anthony Connell and David Adam, concurred with the penalties agreed by all parties prior to the hearing.

Dunne, who has had 40 wins over jumps this season, was suspended from April 23-27 inclusive, May 3-4, and May 6-13 inclusive.

The two valets have been issued with formal written warnings over their conduct.

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