There are calls for an apprentice jockey to be banned for life after punching a horse ahead of a race at Port Lincoln, on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.
Thoroughbred Racing SA says Dylan Caboche's was observed striking his mount She's Reneldasgirl ahead of race two at Port Lincoln yesterday.
It says stewards conducted an immediate inquiry and suspended Caboche for two weeks for misconduct.
"Thoroughbred Racing SA does not condone and will not tolerate such behaviour and it is hoped this penalty, which will remain on the rider's record and will impact his earning ability, will send a strong signal to others," it said in a statement.
Caboche has a right to appeal, however, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses called for him to be banned for life.
"If jockeys can't control their tempers, they don't deserve to be on the racetrack," communications manager Ward Young said in a statement.
"If this is what we see on race day, we can only imagine what goes on behind the scenes."
Mr Young said the two-week ban for Caboche was "grossly inadequate".
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