The full written report of the BHA Judicial Panel proceedings in the Frost/Dunne case was published yesterday. Dunne has seven days to lodge an appeal. From my reading of evidence, he has little or no chance of overturning the verdict. The link to the full report is to be found at the end of this post.
The evidence convinced me, more than ever, that the culture of the weighing room and its environs with its unpleasant practices is an anchronism which is in urgent need of a thorough cleansing. Its toleration of Dunne's behaviour and its deference to "elders", which apparently Dunne was, is wholly unacceptable and unfit for purpose. Those male jockeys who failed to act and indeed, according to the evidence, in various ways, colluded with the long running victimisation of Bryony Frost are, in my view, equally culpable. They need to examine their consciences rather than band together in mock outrage that such behaviour has been called out.
It is very disappointing that some other women jockeys failed to support Bryony Frost (no doubt in fear of the consequences for themselves). It is very telling that the woman who supported her had herself been driven out of the sport altogether by intimidation. Women who conform to the behaviour requirements of a dominant group of men only perpetuate the unacceptable elements of such a system. Women should never have to become "token men", in their attitudes or verbal behaviour to compete fairly in horse racing.
Bryony Frost's determination to take on the "elders" when faced with a long running campaign of bullying and intimidation by one of their own, knowing the consequences which she faced, is an inspiring example of courage for young women.
Dunne would be crazy to appeal. He got off lightly. I wonder if there is a mechanic that allows for a heavier sentence by the appeals panel?
The full written report of the BHA Judicial Panel proceedings in the Frost/Dunne case was published yesterday. Dunne has seven days to lodge an appeal. From my reading of evidence, he has little or no chance of overturning the verdict. The link to the full report is to be found at the end of this post.
The evidence convinced me, more than ever, that the culture of the weighing room and its environs with its unpleasant practices is an anchronism which is in urgent need of a thorough cleansing. Its toleration of Dunne's behaviour and its deference to "elders", which apparently Dunne was, is wholly unacceptable and unfit for purpose. Those male jockeys who failed to act and indeed, according to the evidence, in various ways, colluded with the long running victimisation of Bryony Frost are, in my view, equally culpable. They need to examine their consciences rather than band together in mock outrage that such behaviour has been called out.
It is very disappointing that some other women jockeys failed to support Bryony Frost (no doubt in fear of the consequences for themselves). It is very telling that the woman who supported her had herself been driven out of the sport altogether by intimidation. Women who conform to the behaviour requirements of a dominant group of men only perpetuate the unacceptable elements of such a system. Women should never have to become "token men", in their attitudes or verbal behaviour to compete fairly in horse racing.
Bryony Frost's determination to take on the "elders" when faced with a long running campaign of bullying and intimidation by one of their own, knowing the consequences which she faced, is an inspiring example of courage for young women.
http://judicialpanel.britishhorseracing.com/results/result/?id=219i0