Amateur jockey Rob James has apologised for his “wholly inappropriate and disrespectful” actions after a video of him sitting on a dead horse was posted on social media.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board said they were investigating the footage in a short statement this morning.
Speaking to The Irish Field, James stated that trying to defend his 'stupidity' would 'add further insult' as he revealed the video was recorded almost five years ago.
He said: “I have become aware of a video circulating of me on social media. I would just like to apologise for my actions which were wholly inappropriate and disrespectful to a lovely five-year-old mare, who unfortunately suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at exercise earlier that morning, April 30th, 2016.
"I sincerely apologise to the owners of the mare, the staff who cared for her, the horseracing industry and all followers of horse racing for my actions.
"To try defending my stupidity at the time would add further insult and hurt to the many loyal people that have supported me during my career. I have caused embarrassment to my employers, my family and most importantly the sport I love.
"I am heartbroken by the damage I have caused and will do my best to try and make amends to those hurt by my conduct.”
James rode Milan Native to victory in the Kim Muir at last year's Cheltenham Festival for trainer Gordon Elliott.
His apology comes just days after Elliott confirmed that a photo of him sitting on a dead horse was real.
Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers said he was 'shocked, appalled and horrified' by he image.
He told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio 1: "I was absolutely shocked, appalled and horrified by that photograph.
"It showed a complete and profound error of judgement and it was really disturbing from an animal welfare perspective.
"I think everyone across the country and even internationally who saw that photo was shocked and I think he has to be held fully accountable for his actions.
"I know there is an investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board but it is important from an Irish perspective that we have the highest welfare standards and someone myself who grew up with animals and I think anyone, whether they did or they didn't, was shocked by that and I think consequences are important. He needs to be held fully accountable."
