Group 1-winning jockey banned 25 years for sexual misconduct

Doncaster Mile-winning jockey James Innes jnr has been disqualified for 25 years after a Racing NSW investigation into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from female participants.

Innes jnr, best known for his group 1-winning ride on Wendy Roche-trained Nettoyer in the 2020 Doncaster at Royal Randwick during the COVID pandemic, was handed the ban after a hearing into the matter in recent weeks.

James Innes jnr returns after winning the Doncaster on Nettoyer.Credit: Getty

Racing NSW offered no comment on the case and it is believed the governing body will not be releasing details. It was unknown if the matter was under police investigation.

Innes jnr was stood down on September 11 after Racing NSW stewards issued eight charges against him following an investigation by the Racing NSW Integrity Unit. The nature of the alleged offences was not released and his licence was suspended pending the hearing and determination of charges.

It is believed multiple female participants made allegations to the integrity unit and gave evidence at the hearing.

It is also believed Innes was given the chance to appeal and did not. The 30-year-old did not reply on Wednesday when offered the chance to comment.

Innes, who was based in the Canberra region, last rode in a race on August 30 at Kembla Grange.

The disqualification is believed to be one of the longest given to a jockey, outside of a life ban, in Australia.

Innes jnr had ridden more than 300 winners, including two at group 3 level and his sole group 1 victory with Nettoyer.

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