Boudot Handed Additional Six Month Suspension

Pierre-Charles Boudot has been suspended from riding for a further six months by France Galop due to the seriousness of the allegations of rape made against the three-time champion jockey.

Boudot, 28, was indicted in May and had his license suspended for three months after he was accused of rape by a work-rider following a party at Cagnes-sur-Mer in February.

Fellow rider Pierre Bazire, who has had his three-month suspension extended by six months, was also charged with not reporting a crime. The riders deny the charges against them.

In a statement released Aug. 13, France Galop outlined that while the jockeys were presumed innocent, the decision had been taken to continue the suspension of their licenses "as a precautionary measure" due to the "seriousness" of the case.

The statement read: "Although these two jockeys remain presumed innocent, in view of the ongoing criminal proceedings to which they are still the subject, the seriousness of the alleged facts and their damage to the image of racing, the commissioners have suspended, as a precautionary measure and for a period of six months, their authorization to ride."

France Galop confirmed the decision had been taken under article 2016 of its rules, a clause which aims to protect the image of racing.

Earlier this year, Boudot's legal team strongly denied the allegations, with lead counsel Florence Gaudilliere telling French media: "Pierre-Charles Boudot's determination is greater than ever. He categorically denies the charges."