The Professional
03-06-2007, 12:14 AM
Jockey Is Guilty Of Punching Horse
Wednesday February 28, 06:30 PM
A jockey has been found guilty of punching his horse in the head in a temper tantrum after losing a race. Lodewijk De Smet, one of the world's leading equestrians, yanked hard on the reins and galloped towards horrified spectators and children after hitting the animal. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons said De Smet - who is also a vet - was guilty of using unjustifiable force against his horse.
It now has to decide whether the punch amounts to disgraceful conduct before making any
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sanction.
De Smet could be suspended or even struck off from his profession.
The Austrian vet had been competing in a relay race with his wife for the Banwen Miners Hunt.
But De Smet became angry after losing to a group of youngsters on the opposition team, the Celtic Blood Hounds.
He began his tantrum as soon as he crossed the finish line.
Diane James, the master of the rival team, told the hearing: "My view was that he was embarrassed to be beaten by a group of youngsters."
The event's commentator and organiser Christine Chambers said she heard De Smet swear at least six times.
Members of the panel had watched a video recording of the race in Brecon during the three-day hearing in central London.
De Smet, of Ammanford, Camarthenshire, told the hearing he had never been criticised for his conduct and had never hit his horse.
Biut he added that he was embarrassed and "very, very sorry" he had lost his temper.
Wednesday February 28, 06:30 PM
A jockey has been found guilty of punching his horse in the head in a temper tantrum after losing a race. Lodewijk De Smet, one of the world's leading equestrians, yanked hard on the reins and galloped towards horrified spectators and children after hitting the animal. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons said De Smet - who is also a vet - was guilty of using unjustifiable force against his horse.
It now has to decide whether the punch amounts to disgraceful conduct before making any
(Advertisement)
sanction.
De Smet could be suspended or even struck off from his profession.
The Austrian vet had been competing in a relay race with his wife for the Banwen Miners Hunt.
But De Smet became angry after losing to a group of youngsters on the opposition team, the Celtic Blood Hounds.
He began his tantrum as soon as he crossed the finish line.
Diane James, the master of the rival team, told the hearing: "My view was that he was embarrassed to be beaten by a group of youngsters."
The event's commentator and organiser Christine Chambers said she heard De Smet swear at least six times.
Members of the panel had watched a video recording of the race in Brecon during the three-day hearing in central London.
De Smet, of Ammanford, Camarthenshire, told the hearing he had never been criticised for his conduct and had never hit his horse.
Biut he added that he was embarrassed and "very, very sorry" he had lost his temper.