Jockey receives 25-year ban

Group 1 winning jockey, James Innes Jnr, has been handed a whopping 25-year disqualification.

Innes Jnr appeared in front of Racing NSW integrity officials by video link in the days leading up to the Caulfield Guineas day to answer charges of sexual misconduct after numerous complaints.

The verdict was revealed by Idolhorse nearly a fortnight later.

Racing NSW stewards had been waiting for approval to release the result, with one official confirming to Betsy on October 10 “it was the longest penalty that I had been involved in.”

It is understood Innes Jnr, who has left NSW, didn’t have legal representation with him during the hearing and has not appealed the 25-year disqualification.

He had to face his accusers, who gave evidence at the hearing about multiple incidents, which allegedly occurred at a stable and a licensed premises.

Innes Jnr was stood down on August 30 when eight charges were laid, but the nature of the charges not revealed by Racing NSW. It is expected Racing NSW will release a redacted version of the judgement.

It is understood that Racing NSW proceeded with the case, as there are no pending police charges at this time.

Innes Jnr had his biggest moment in racing during the COVID lockdown when he won the 2020 Doncaster Mile on Nettoyer.