BHA blasts 'rancid' weighing-room culture as Frost-Dunne bullying case closes

A verdict on allegations jockey Robbie Dunne bullied fellow rider Bryony Frost is expected by noon on Thursday, after two tumultuous weeks for British racing during which the culture of the weighing room and conduct of jockeys towards one another has come under intense scrutiny.

Dunne, 36, accepted one breach of rule (J) 20 in that he acted in a violent or improper manner towards Frost, 26, at Southwell on September 3 last year during an exchange following a race in which he blamed the fatal fall of his mount, Cillian’s Well, on his colleague’s riding. He disputes the words used but faces a suspension of up to 21 days.

However, the rider rejects four charges of breaching rule (J) 19 relating to conduct prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport — for which he could be banned for up to three years — and two further charges of acting in a violent or improper manner between February 13 and September 3, 2020.

Written and oral evidence was provided to the independent disciplinary panel by a range of racing figures, with the likes of Richard Johnson, Tom Scudamore and Nico de Boinville speaking alongside trainers, valets and BHA investigators over the five days, as well as Frost and Dunne testifying themselves.

Louis Weston, representing the BHA, said in closing submissions on Wednesday that Dunne had subjected Frost to a “vendetta” that included sexually inappropriate behaviour and foul language, and culminated in his alleged “promise” to put her “through a wing” after the race at Southwell.

Addressing the panel, Weston said: “This sport exerts a pressure on those who would otherwise speak freely. This case should not turn on evidence that seeks to keep that omerta.

“If what is being said, when you come to determine this case, there is a weighing room culture that allows one jockey to threaten another with serious injury to them or their horse, or to call another a whore, a slut or a slag then that culture is one that is sour, rancid and one that we say should be thrown out and discarded. Its time, if ever it had its time, has gone.”

Countering Weston’s points on the weighing room, Roderick Moore told the panel that it would be “grossly unfair” to Dunne to judge him on anything other than how the weighing room is at present as opposed to any desire anyone might have for it to change.

"The weighing room has a culture that we have heard a good deal about," he said. "You have to understand the weighing room — if you do then you will come to the right answer

“The way the weighing room is should not come as big news to anyone, there are BHA officials coming in and out all of the time. What would be grossly unfair is to make a judgement of Mr Dunne against a scenario that isn't the real one."

He added: “If something needs to change, that's for the future, that's a policy matter, a political matter. You can only judge Mr Dunne against the present weighing room.”

Moore further added that the "weapons grade language" used by riders also needed to be taken in the context of the profession.

He also outlined what he believed were failings in Frost’s “credibility”, primarily around her alleged “fear” of Dunne, with his highlighting the exchange in the Southwell changing room when she told Dunne to “f*** off” after their altercation.

“She gave back,” he said. "That's not a criticism but it stands ill alongside other matters that she fears him.”

Robbie Dunne (left): has been charged by the BHA on seven breaches of the rules of racingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Weston said the defence had sought to “overcomplicate” the case and that Frost had been targeted because she had “stepped up and confronted” Dunne on behaviour he likened to “1950s Carry On humour”.

He added: “It cannot be that Ms Frost can be allowed to compete on a racecourse on a level playing field only to find when she comes back to the weighing room she's met by Mr Dunne acting out a role of some patriarchy re-enacting social attitudes of the 1950s in his capacity of self-appointed enforcer of traditions he perceives to be put in place in the weighing room. It's just unacceptable.”

Following closing submissions, Brian Barker, chair of the disciplinary panel, said: "We have a number of matters to review. We hope to come to a decision by noon tomorrow."

Read these next

Robbie Dunne: remark to Bryony Frost 'not a threat, it was a figure of speech'

Richard Johnson and Tom Scudamore lead all-star parade of defence witnesses

Robbie Dunne quizzed by BHA counsel over Virtual Grand National tweet

'Whoa moment' – Stratford attendant says Dunne verbals were out of the ordinary

Bryony Frost: Robbie Dunne 'promised to hurt me and put me through a wing'

The Racing Post Annual 2022 is here! Look back on a star-studded year in this fabulous 224-page book packed with the best stories and pictures. The perfect gift at £14.99. Order from racingpost.com/shop or call 01933 304858 now!