One of New Zealand's leading jockey's, Sam Weatherley, has been banned for nine weeks after racing authorities ruled he caused the incident that led to the death of Japanese rider Taiki Yanagida.
Sam Weatherley at the New Years Day Races at Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland on Saturday 1st January 2022. Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
Weatherley, 23, was given the suspension after a Racing Integrity Board hearing.
Yanagida, 28, died in Waikato Hospital on 9 August, six days after he came off his horse during a race at Cambridge.
Weatherley defended the charge, but the RIB hearing ruled the charge of reckless riding was proven and that Weatherley's riding a series of events that ultimately led to the fall, and subsequent death, of Yanagida.
Yanagaida mount Te Atatu Pash, was bumped when Weatherley turned his horse Jack Hammer.
Taiki Yanagida died in August. Photo: Alan Lee / Photosport
Te Atatu Pash stumbled and Yanagida fell to the track and struck by a following horse.
He subsequently died of injuries to his brain and his spine.
The New Zealand Herald reported Weatherley told the hearing, "unfortunately, it's just a freak accident and something that I've gotta live with for the rest of my life. It's very, very unfortunate."