01 June 2024 , 11:13
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A young jockey could be facing a lengthy suspension after being caught breaking Japan’s strict lockdown rules.
Before all Japan Racing Association-run fixtures, jockeys are put into isolation from 9pm the day before a meeting and denied any communication with the outside world until the races are over.
As a result riders are required to lock their smartphones away in lockers under rules that exist to protect the integrity of the sport.
Motoki Mizunuma was riding at the meetings at Tokyo and Kyoto when it was discovered that he had used his phone.
Officials found that the 21-year-old had pretended to lock his phone away when he had only stowed the case and smuggled his device into the changing room.
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According to the JRA he viewed TikTok and made restaurant reservations. JRA official Tsukasa Yamagishi described Mizunuma’s behaviour as “highly malicious."
The jockey was charged with serious misconduct and details of the case forwarded to the JRA arbitration committee. He was issued with an immediate suspension until the committee meets to consider what happened.
An investigation will take place to establish whether Mizunuma’s illegal smartphone use had been habitual or not. The jockey’s boss, trainer Kazuhiro Kato posted an apology on the stable's social media saying, "We have done something that should never have been done.
“Kazuhiro Kato and the stable staff are truly sorry. We will provide strict guidance and work hard to regain trust."
Lockers for smartphones were introduced last year after six female jockeys were banned for a similar breach.
Five years ago Frankie Dettori was quizzed by stewards in Japan after a post of a visit to a beef farm was posted on his Instagram account after 9pm. He escaped sanction after explaining the pictures had been sent before the curfew and posted by his secretary.