Boudot Banned Six More Months

French champion jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot has had a three-month ban by France Galop stewards extended a further six months as he faces rape charges.

Boudot, 28, was charged on May 12 for the Feb. 27 rape of a 25-year-old female work rider in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Also implicated is fellow jockey Pierre Bazire, who was charged in May with failing to prevent and report a crime. Bazire's suspension has likewise been extended six more months. Boudot, whose legal team has denied the allegations, had been previously accused of rape in 2018, but those allegation did not result in charges.

A statement from France Galop released on Friday read, “France Galop's commissioners have examined the statements made by the jockeys Pierre-Charles Boudot and Pierre Bazire, who are currently under investigation by an examining magistrate from Senlis Judicial Tribunal, with a view to potentially extending the precautionary measures taken against them on May 14, 2021. Though these two jockeys are still presumed innocent, in view of the ongoing legal proceedings that concern said jockeys, the gravity of the allegations and the damage they would cause to the image, legality and safety of horse racing, as well as the organisation of any bets pertaining to horse races, the commissioners have decided to suspend, as a precautionary measure and for a duration of six months, the aforementioned jockeys' authorisation to ride, in accordance with the provisions stated in article 216 of the French horse racing code.
“These measures may be lifted or extended at any time, taking into consideration any additional elements that may be brought to the attention of France Galop's commissioners.”