Veteran jockey Noel Callow has been handed a three-month suspension following a violent altercation in the weighing room at Doomben racecourse last month.
The 50-year-old rider, who has earned over £22million during his career, was hospitalised after being knocked unconscious during the incident with fellow jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor, 25, on May 28, 2025.
Racing authorities conducted a thorough investigation into the confrontation, which occurred after the sixth race at the Australian venue.
Callow initiated the physical altercation by pursuing Wilson-Taylor from the scales into the male jockeys' quarters, where the situation rapidly escalated.
According to the stewards' report, the incident began when Wilson-Taylor was weighing in, with Callow positioned closely behind him.
Contact occurred as Wilson-Taylor exited the scales, prompting him to tell Callow: "I'm not scared of you."
Noel Callow ended up with a concussion following the altercation
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After completing his own weigh-in, Callow ran into the male jockeys' room in pursuit of Wilson-Taylor.
The stewards found that Callow "made aggressive contact with Mr Wilson-Taylor from behind," causing both riders to fall to the ground.
Wilson-Taylor then mounted Callow and struck him twice to the head before other jockeys and a steward intervened.
The entire altercation lasted approximately 15 to 20 seconds, according to the investigation.
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Callow suffered a concussion and required immediate hospital treatment following the confrontation.
The racing authorities have mandated that Callow must provide evidence of consultation with a sports psychologist before returning to competition.
In a written submission dated May 31, 2025, the multiple Group 1-winning jockey acknowledged his struggles with anger management.
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Noel Callow is a veteran horse racer
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The stewards' report noted that whilst Callow initiated the altercation, consideration was given to "his subsequent restraint, his co-operation during the inquiry, early guilty plea, and steps taken toward rehabilitation".
Callow has already begun seeking professional help for anger management issues, which the stewards recognised as demonstrating insight into his behaviour.
The suspension represents a significant penalty for the experienced rider, who must complete the required anger management programme to reduce his ban from three months to two.
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Kyle Wilson-Taylor was jumped on the way to his quarters
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The stewards characterised the incident as "a momentary loss of temper" rather than a premeditated act.
They acknowledged that "the conduct was out of character with Callow's conduct over recent times and is unlikely to be repeated".
Callow, who has achieved multiple Group 1 victories throughout his distinguished career, submitted a written apology to racing authorities.
The stewards noted his letter of apology dated May 31, 2025, as part of their considerations.
The veteran jockey's suspension marks a significant setback for the 50-year-old, who has been a prominent figure in Australian racing.
His early guilty plea and cooperation with the investigation were cited as mitigating factors in the stewards' final determination.
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