Airbnb Covid breach jockeys to miss spring carnival after being hit with bans

Leading rider Jamie Kah will miss the Melbourne spring carnival after stewards handed her and three other jockeys three-month suspensions for breaking Covid-19 rules this week.

Racing.com understands that Kah, as well as jockeys Ben Melham, Celeine Gaudray and Ethan Brown, were banned after they attended an illegal gathering after 9pm at an Airbnb on the Mornington Peninsula in the city on Wednesday night.

The four were caught when police attended the property following a noise complaint and Victoria Police confirmed they were also fined more than $5000 each for breaking the state's lockdown.

In a behind-closed-doors hearing, all four jockeys pleaded guilty to breaking AR 232(b) – fail or refuse to comply with an order, direction or requirement of the stewards or an official. The suspension began at midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time on August 26 and will expire at midnight on November 25.

The jockeys were also issued with a stand down order, which means they cannot attend all licensed premises for 14 days and that negative Covid-19 tests must be provided over that period. However, they will be able to participate in trackwork, jump-outs and official trials once the 14 day period ends on September 9.

'A slap in the face to racing' – top riders banned after Airbnb Covid breach

Speaking at Friday morning's Covid-19 press conference, health minister Martin Foley said he was "bitterly disappointed" in their actions and Racing Victoria CEO Giles Thompson also slammed the actions of the jockeys.

"These individuals could have put at risk the very continuance of our sport and also blatantly disregarded the broader community implications through their selfish and thoughtless actions," Thompson said.

"The stewards have elected to lay significant charges against these individuals, which is appropriate given the potential impact their actions could have had on community safety, the livelihoods of the 25,000 Victorian jobs supported by racing and the welfare of the horses who rely on the daily care and exercise the industry provides.

"To see all of that potentially thrown away by the reckless behaviour of a small few is incredibly disappointing and far from what is expected of our industry participants."

Kah, who rode Prince Of Arran (left) to finish third in the Melbourne Cup last year, will miss the race this timeCredit: Robert Cianflone

Kah, who enjoyed a memorable campaign last term when becoming the first jockey in Victorian Racing history to ride 100 metropolitan winners in a season, took to social media to apologise for her actions.

"I want to apologise for my recent behaviour in breaching the government and racing Covid rules. I am deeply embarrassed and disappointed with myself," she said via Twitter.

"There is no excuse for what I have done and I have let myself down, my family and friends, the racing industry and all Victorians who are doing the right thing in this lockdown.

"I deserve the penalty handed down by the stewards and will take time to reflect on my actions and its impact on so many people."

The suspension means that Kah will miss out on a ride in the Melbourne Cup, having finished third on the Charlie Fellowes-trained Prince Of Arran last year, as well as sitting out other major races such as the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup.

Read more international news:

Two arrests made in Victoria after race-fixing and cocaine probe

Watch: veteran jockey saves apprentice from horror mid-race fall

Filly who broke loose on highway survives second terrifying ordeal of weekend

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a three-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday