A LEGENDARY jockey who got knocked out in a fight HE started has been hit with a massive ban.
Multiple Group 1-winning rider Noel Callow was rushed to hospital with injuries following an explosive weighing room bust-up with rival rider Kyle Wilson-Taylor.
Legendary jockey Noel Callow has been given a three-month ban after starting a fight with a rival jockey[/caption]
Callow, 50, bumped into Wilson-Taylor, 25, at the scales and chased him back into the jockeys’ quarters.
An investigation ruled Callow made ‘aggressive contact’ with Wilson-Taylor from behind before the pair fell to the ground.
Wilson-Taylor was then said to have mounted Callow and delivered two blows to the head at Doomben racecourse in Australia.
Callow, who was concussed in the scrap, was quickly taken to hospital and immediately stood down from racing.
Bosses have now given him a huge three-month ban, which will be reduced to two once he completes an anger management course.
Callow, who has won more than £22million in his career, admitted in a written note to stewards he had issues with his temper.
He also has to provide evidence he has been to see a sports psychologist before being allowed to race again.
In a brilliant blow-by-blow account of how the fight went down, the stewards’ report read: “Following the running of race six at Doomben on Wednesday 28 May 2025, both Mr Wilson-Taylor and Mr Callow presented to steward Simon Fletcher to weigh in for their respective rides in race six.
“Mr Wilson-Taylor proceeded to the scales to weigh in with Mr Callow positioned behind him awaiting his turn to weigh in.
“Mr Callow then positioned himself in close proximity to Mr Wilson-Taylor that then resulted in Mr Wilson-Taylor making contact with Mr Callow in order to exit the scales.
“Mr Wilson-Taylor has then made the comment ‘I’m not scared of you’ to Mr Callow.
“Mr Callow then proceeded to weigh in as Mr Wilson-Taylor then proceeded into the male jockeys’ room.
“Upon completing being weighed in, Mr Callow has then proceeded to run into the male jockeys’ room in pursuit of Mr Wilson-Taylor.
“Mr Callow has then made aggressive contact to Mr Wilson-Taylor from behind resulting in a physical altercation ensuing between Mr Callow and Mr Wilson-Taylor resulting in both Mr Callow and Mr Wilson-Taylor falling to the ground.
“Shortly after falling onto the ground Mr Wilson-Taylor has then struck Mr Callow twice to the head whilst positioned on top of Mr Callow before other riders, along with steward Mr Fletcher, have then been able to separate Mr Callow and Mr Wilson-Taylor.
“As quickly as the exchange escalated, it de-escalated and was finished. It might have taken 15 or 20 seconds.
“This was not an incident thought out and planned beforehand. It was a momentary loss of temper, and any penalty should reflect that.
“There was initiation of the altercation by Callow but that must be weighed against his subsequent restraint, his co-operation during the inquiry, early guilty plea, and steps taken toward rehabilitation.
“The conduct was out of character with Callow’s conduct over recent times and is unlikely to be repeated.
“He has shown insight by taking steps in seeking assistance with anger management.
“He has apologised in writing by his letter dated 31 May 2025.”
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