Jockeys allegedly get into trackside fight that left one so badly injured he has been barred from racing for at least 12 days
A pair of Australian jockeys are under investigation after they were alleged to have been involved in a trackside ‘physical altercation’ prior to a race.
Queensland Racing are currently investigating emerging young rider Kyle Wilson-Taylor and Group One veteran Noel Callow following the alleged incident, which is said to have taken place at Doomben on Wednesday.
The governing body also confirmed that Callow had been taken to hospital for medical treatment following the spat.
While the details of what caused the fight are still unclear, it is understood that tempers flared due to an ‘ill-feeling’ between the pair, according to Racenet.
Callow had been due to race in the seventh race at Doomben but was scrubbed from the race by doctors had found him not fit to ride.
A stewards’ report from Doomben was published on Thursday which provided more details on the veteran jockey’s absence from race seven.
Noel Callow (pictured) was taken to hospital on Wednesday after he suffered a concussion during an alleged fight with another jockey
Callow is understood to have been involved in a ‘physical altercation with Kyle Wilson-Taylor (right)
‘The start of this race was delayed by approximately five minutes when rider N. Callow, who had weighed out for this event, was then subsequently stood down after being examined by the club doctor and found to be unfit to fulfil his remaining engagements,’ the statement read.
The report added that ‘medical clearance was required (including concussion protocol)’ before Callow, who has resurrected his Group One career, could race again.
Kim Kelly, the Deputy Commissioner for Queensland Racing’s Integrity Commission delivered more information on the fight on Wednesday evening.
‘I can confirm that a stewards’ inquiry has been opened into a physical altercation between two riders at the Doomben race meeting today,’ Kelly said.
‘A considerable body of evidence has been taken and the matter was adjourned to a date to be fixed to allow a rider who was taken from the course for medical treatment to give evidence.’
Wilson-Taylor has, per Racenet, insisted he was not the aggressor in the situation.
Callow, a well-revered jockey who, is also known affectionately as the ‘King’.
Callow has won more than $46million during his rollercoaster career.
Wilson-Taylor (left, pictued with Frankie Dettorri, centre) insists he was not the aggressor in the matter
Queensland Racing are investigating the matter involving Callow (pictured) and Wilson-Taylor
He has received multiple bans despite racking up five Group One wins.
He is now set to be sidelined for at least 12 days as he works through concussion protocols.
That means he will not be able to ride Our Benefactor in the Bevan Laming’s Group One Queensland Derby on Saturday.
Wilson-Taylor, meanwhile, is now set to race on the Sunshine Coast on Friday and at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Here he’ll ride Redford in Race Two, Star Vega in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and Sassy Merlot in the Helen Couglan Stakes.
Wilson-Taylor has enjoyed some success in the senior jockey ranks after rising up as an apprentice in Queensland.
He enjoyed a breakthrough year back in 2023, winning the Tatt’s Tiara with Palaisipan to pocket $522,000
